Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026

A RAPID Method for Blood Processing to Increase the Yield of Plasma Peptide Levels in Human Blood
Published on: April 28, 2016
The many faces of ghrelin: new perspectives for nutrition research?
Bärbel Otto1, Jochen Spranger, Stephen C Benoit
1Medical Department--Innenstadt, University Hospital Munich, Germany. Barbel.Otto@med.uni-muenchen.de
Abstract:
The appetite-modulating peptide ghrelin is predominantly produced and secreted by the stomach and shows a strong growth hormone-releasing activity, which is mediated by the activation of the so-called growth hormone secretagogue type 1a receptor. Ghrelin is involved in the regulation of energy balance by increasing food intake and reducing fat utilization. Additionally, it stimulates lactotroph and corticotroph function, influences the pituitary gonadal axis, inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, controls gastric motility and acid secretion and influences pancreatic exocrine and endocrine function, as well as impacting on glucose metabolism. This review summarizes the known functions of ghrelin and its role in the regulation of the gut-brain axis.
Related Concept Videos
Regulation of Food Intake
Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists
GLP-1, when administered in high doses intravenously, triggers insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, reduces food intake, and restores normal insulin secretion. However, its rapid inactivation by the...
Hormonal Regulation
Intracellular Hormone Receptors
G Protein-coupled Receptors
GPCRs are also called heptahelical, 7TM, or serpentine receptors, and consist of seven (H1-H7) transmembrane alpha-helices that span the bilayer to form a cylindrical core. The transmembrane helices are connected by three extracellular loops and three...

