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Alcoholism, Craving, and Hormones: The Role of Leptin, Ghrelin, Prolactin, and the Pro‐Opiomelanocortin System in Modulating Ethanol Intake
Author(s) -
Wurst Friedrich Martin,
Rasmussen Dennis D.,
Hillemacher Thomas,
Kraus Thomas,
Ramskogler Katrin,
Lesch Otto,
Bayerlein Kristina,
Schanze Anja,
Wilhelm Julia,
Junghanns Klaus,
Schulte Tilman,
Dammann Gerhard,
Pridzun Lutz,
Wiesbeck Gerhard,
Kornhuber Johannes,
Bleich Stefan
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
alcoholism: clinical and experimental research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.267
H-Index - 153
eISSN - 1530-0277
pISSN - 0145-6008
DOI - 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2007.00531.x
Subject(s) - ghrelin , leptin , prolactin , hormone , endocrinology , craving , medicine , ethanol , chemistry , psychology , neuroscience , addiction , obesity , biochemistry
Evidence is growing that appetite regulating peptides such as leptin and ghrelin, but also other hormones including prolactin are altered in alcoholism. The brain pro‐opiomelanocortin (POMC) system which has important mediating roles in alcohol intake also has important functions in prolactin regulation and energy homeostasis. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated to be functionally integrated with leptin regulation. The satiety factor leptin seems to be counteracted by the gut‐derived peptide ghrelin which increases hunger and food intake. Consequently, the POMC system may have a role in integrating regulation of alcohol effects and these seemingly disparate regulatory systems. The goal of this mini‐review is to discuss the results of some recent investigations of the potential interactions of these systems with acute and chronic alcohol responses.