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Acetylcholine regulates ghrelin secretion in humans
Fabio Broglio1, Cristina Gottero, Peter Van Koetsveld
1Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus University of Rotterdam, Rotterdam 3015, The Netherlands.
Summary
Cholinergic systems control ghrelin secretion in humans. Cholinergic agonists like pyridostigmine increase ghrelin, while antagonists like pirenzepine decrease it, indicating muscarinic regulation.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neurogastroenterology
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Ghrelin, a hormone regulating appetite, has complex secretion patterns influenced by fasting and feeding.
- The cholinergic system's role in ghrelin regulation, particularly in humans, remains unclear.
- Cholinergic pathways are known to influence gastric functions and appetite.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether the cholinergic system modulates ghrelin secretion in humans.
- To determine the effects of cholinergic agonists and antagonists on circulating ghrelin levels.
Main Methods:
- A study involving six healthy subjects administered pyridostigmine (cholinergic agonist) or pirenzepine (muscarinic antagonist).
- Measurements included ghrelin, growth hormone (GH), insulin, and glucose levels.
- Analysis of changes in hormone levels over time using area under the curve calculations.
Main Results:
- Pyridostigmine significantly increased both GH and ghrelin levels.
- Pirenzepine significantly reduced ghrelin levels but did not affect GH, insulin, or glucose.
- The peak ghrelin response to pyridostigmine did not precede the GH peak.
Conclusions:
- Human ghrelin secretion is under cholinergic, specifically muscarinic, control.
- Cholinergic agonists increase ghrelin, while antagonists decrease it.
- The observed ghrelin level changes are unlikely to mediate the cholinergic effects on GH secretion.