Euphoria at the protein level

Happy hormones and positive impulses

From a biochemical point of view, happiness (more precisely, various kinds of positive emotions experienced by a person) is a complex process that involves a variety of proteins and hormones produced by our body.

Several substances are called “happiness hormones” or “happiness molecules” in popular literature. Most often, these terms are applied to neurohormones, endorphins, produced in the pituitary gland of the brain, or to dopamine, substances synthesized in the processes (synapses) of nerve cells. Endorphins, by binding to special receptors on nerve cells, provoke biochemical reactions that cause a person to feel a feeling of euphoria and satisfaction. Dopamines ensure the transmission of impulses, including those associated with positive emotions.

But the mechanisms of pleasure are associated not only with these two chemical compounds; the process of creating euphoria is extremely complex, many other proteins and hormones are involved in it. For example, the hormone serotonin, which conducts nerve impulses between cells, and a number of proteins that can enhance or, conversely, inhibit or even completely block the excitation of endorphin receptors in the brain, are associated with pleasant sensations.

In fact, positive emotions, a feeling of euphoria that endorphins can cause, are far from the only function of these hormones. The endorphin system is one of the key mechanisms in human physiology; along with adrenaline receptors, it provides a response to external stimuli, to difficult life situations and protects the body. The effect of endorphins on neuron receptors counteracts stress, provides pain relief for wounds and injuries, and affects human creativity. Actually, euphoria is one of the “side effects” of dealing with stress. After successfully overcoming stress, after getting out of a difficult situation, the body receives a “carrot”, a reward in the form of positive emotions.

The term “endorphins” itself comes from the phrase “endogenous morphines” (endogenous - produced by the body itself). The discovery of these hormones is associated with the study of pain relief processes and the effects of morphine derivatives on humans. After special receptors were discovered in the nervous system that opiate drugs act on, it was suggested that the human body itself is able to synthesize certain substances similar to morphine. The discovery of endorphins in the 70s of the last century confirmed this guess.

Unfortunately, a story about the biochemistry of happiness almost inevitably touches on the topic of drugs. Over the past few thousand years, man has learned to interfere with almost all hormonal mechanisms that provide positive emotions. All existing drugs - from “hard” heroin and cocaine to legal nicotine - in one way or another interfere with the functioning of the cells of the central nervous system, enhancing or imitating the “natural” sensations of euphoria.

The main problem is that any drug not only causes positive emotions, but also changes the natural biochemical mechanisms that work in nerve tissues. This inevitably leads to disruptions in the normal functioning of the body; eventually, the addict's endorphin system may simply collapse.

Mikhail MANSKOY