Endocrinological activities of ghrelin: new insights.
Ghrelin is a potent endogenous growth hormone secretagogue in supraphysiological doses. It also exhibits several other endocrinological (e.g. lactotrophic and corticotrophic) activities when given intravenously. However, the significance of these effects in a normal physiological situation is still unknown, and subcutaneous administration of ghrelin seems to only increase growth hormone secretion. Interest in ghrelin research is currently focused on energy metabolism; the link between ghrelin and the regulation of both growth and energy metabolism is missing. In this paper we present an up-to-date review of the endocrinological activities of ghrelin.
Ukkola
Olavi
O
Department of Internal Medicine and Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, FIN-90220 Oulu, Finland.