What natural neurotransmitter is linked to pain control and pleasure?

Endorphins are natural neurotransmitters produced by the body that play a significant role in pain control and the experience of pleasure. They are often referred to as the body’s own painkillers and are released in response to stress or discomfort, leading to an analgesic effect. Additionally, endorphins can enhance feelings of well-being and pleasure, often referred to as the "runner's high" experienced during prolonged physical exercise or other activities that cause happiness. Their ability to modulate pain and induce pleasure distinguishes them as key players within the body's neurochemical system, contributing to the regulation of mood and emotional responses.

In contrast, dopamine is primarily linked to reward and motivation, serotonin is associated with mood stabilization and sleep regulation, and acetylcholine is involved primarily in muscle activation and various autonomic functions. Each of these neurotransmitters has distinct roles, but when focusing solely on the dual aspects of pain control and pleasure, endorphins are the most pertinent.