title: [Ghrelin--peptide hormone that increases appetite. It opens new possibilities for the research on energy metabolism].
abstract: Ghrelin is an endogenous ligand for the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R) that potently stimulates growth hormone (GH) release. The discovery of ghrelin opens up a new regulatory system for GH secretion. Surprisingly, recent studies in rodents suggest that peripherally or centrally administered ghrelin, independent of GH, decreases fat oxidation and increases food intake and adiposity. In addition, plasma ghrelin levels are lower in obese human subjects. Ghrelin might participate in meal initiation and may signal to the hypothalamus when an increase in metabolic efficiency is needed.
authors.affiliation: Biocenter Oulu, Uleåborgs universitet, Kajaanintie 50/PB 5000, FIN-900 14 Uleåborg, Finland. olavi.ukkola@oulu.fi
authors.forename: Olavi
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Ukkola
authors.forename: Seppo
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pöykkö
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001066:Appetite / Q000502:physiology*; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D005768:Gastrointestinal Hormones / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D054439:Ghrelin; D006128:Growth / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000378:metabolism; D036361:Peptide Hormones; D010455:Peptides / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D011986:Receptors, Somatotropin / Q000502:physiology; D012106:Research; D012377:Rodentia
chemical_list: D005768:Gastrointestinal Hormones; D054439:Ghrelin; D036361:Peptide Hormones; D010455:Peptides; D011986:Receptors, Somatotropin