# Inhibition of the angiotensin-converting enzyme N-terminal catalytic domain prevents endogenous opioid degradation in brain tissue

## TL;DR

Blocking a specific enzyme domain increases natural opioid signals in the brain.

## Contribution

A new method to enhance endogenous opioids by inhibiting a specific enzyme domain is introduced.

## Key findings

- Blocking the N-terminal domain of angiotensin-converting enzyme increases Met-enkephalin-Arg-Phe signals.
- This inhibition prevents degradation of endogenous opioids in brain tissue.

## Abstract

Natural opioid signals in the brain produced by Met-enkephalin-Arg-Phe are enhanced after blocking its degradation by the N-terminal catalytic domain of angiotensin-converting enzyme.