The role of enkephalins in the spinal cord is:

A. To decrease release of substance P from the primary afferent.
B. To hyperpolarize spinal interneurons in the pain pathway.
C. To stimulate non-nociceptive interneurons of the dorsal horn.
D. A and B
E. A, B, and C


ANS: D
Rationale: Enkephalins bind with receptor sites on both the primary afferents and interneurons of the pain system. Enkephalin binding depresses the release of substance P and hyperpolarizes the interneurons, thus inhibiting the transmission of nociceptive signals.

Health & Biomechanics

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