Open AccessThe Novel Hypothalamic Peptide Ghrelin Stimulates Food Intake and Growth Hormone Secretion
Author(s) -
Alison Wren,
Caroline J. Small,
Helen Ward,
Kevin G. Murphy,
C. L. Dakin,
Shahrad Taheri,
Alice Kennedy,
Greg Roberts,
David Morgan,
Mohammad A. Ghatei,
Stephen R. Bloom
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
endocrinology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.674
H-Index - 257
eISSN - 1945-7170
pISSN - 0013-7227
DOI - 10.1210/endo.141.11.7873
Subject(s) - medicine , ghrelin , endocrinology , secretagogue , hypothalamus , stimulation , hormone , receptor , endogeny , peptide hormone , neuropeptide y receptor , chemistry , neuropeptide , biology
Ghrelin, a novel 28 amino acid peptide found in hypothalamus and stomach, was recently identified as the endogenous ligand for the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R). We have now found that both intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) and intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of ghrelin in freely feeding rats stimulated food intake. The onset of increased feeding was rapid and after i.c.v. administration was sustained for 24 hours. Following i.c.v. administration of 3 nmol ghrelin, the duration and magnitude of the feeding stimulation was similar to that following 5 nmol neuropeptide Y (NPY). Plasma growth hormone (GH) concentration increased following both i.c.v. and i.p. administration of ghrelin. Release of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) was stimulated and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) inhibited following i.c.v. administration of ghrelin. These data suggest a possible role for the newly identified endogenous hypothalamic peptide, ghrelin, in stimulation of feeding and growth hormone secretion.