Ghrelin: update on a novel hormonal system.
Ghrelin is a peptide hormone secreted into the circulation from the stomach but also synthesised in a number of tissues, suggesting both endocrine and paracrine effects. These include: stimulation of GH, prolactin and ACTH secretion; an increase in appetite; a diabetogenic effect on carbohydrate metabolism; positive inotropic effects on heart; vasodilatation; and effects on cell proliferation. The possibility of chronic manipulation of the ghrelin system on body weight, growth and appetite remains an exciting new field of exploration.
Korbonits
M
M
Department of Endocrinology, St Bartholomew's Hospital, London EC1A 7BE, UK. m.korbonits@qmul.ac.uk
Grossman
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AB
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D001066:Appetite; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D054439:Ghrelin; D006128:Growth / Q000187:drug effects; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000502:physiology; D036361:Peptide Hormones / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D011218:Prader-Willi Syndrome / Q000378:metabolism
D054439:Ghrelin; D036361:Peptide Hormones; D013006:Growth Hormone