What term is given to a group of peptide hormones that influence pain and the perception of unpleasant stimuli?

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The term that refers to a group of peptide hormones that influence pain and the perception of unpleasant stimuli is "endorphins." Endorphins are naturally occurring chemicals in the body that act as neurotransmitters. They are produced in response to pain and stress and function to reduce discomfort by binding to the same receptors as opioids. This results in a reduction in the perception of pain and can create a feeling of euphoria, often described as a "runner's high."

While neuropeptides is a broader category that includes a wide variety of signaling molecules in the nervous system, endorphins specifically play a crucial role in modulating pain and the emotional response to it. Enzymes, on the other hand, are biological catalysts that facilitate chemical reactions but do not have a direct role in the perception of pain. Adrenaline, although it does have important roles in the body's response to stress, is not classified as a peptide hormone nor does it specifically modulate the perception of pain in the same way that endorphins do. Thus, endorphins accurately encapsulate the specific group of peptide hormones involved in pain regulation.

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