Dynorphins are a class of opioid peptides that arise from the precursor protein prodynorphin, which when cleaved by proprotein convertase 2, releases multiple active peptides including dynorphin A, dynorphin B, and alpha/beta-neo-endorphin. Dynorphin A is an endogenous kappa receptor agonist and has different physiological actions depending upon its site of production. Dynorphin A is a modulator of pain responses and also has roles in weight control, regulating body temperature, and influencing drug seeking behaviour
