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Published on: May 24, 2018
Ghrelin deficiency does not influence feeding performance
Takahiro Sato1, Mamoru Kurokawa, Yoshiki Nakashima
1Molecular genetics, Institute of Life Sciences, Kurume University, B-3, Kurume research center building, 1-1, Hyakunen-koen, Kurume, 839-0864, Japan.
Regulatory Peptides
|October 5, 2007
Summary
Ghrelin, a stomach hormone, was thought to regulate food intake. However, ghrelin-deficient mice showed no differences in feeding, growth, or reproduction, indicating ghrelin is not critical for feeding performance.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neuroscience
- Metabolic Research
Background:
- Ghrelin is an endogenous ligand for the growth hormone secretagogue receptor.
- Ghrelin is primarily synthesized in the stomach.
- Previous research suggested ghrelin stimulates growth hormone release and food intake, implying its antagonism could treat obesity and eating disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of endogenous ghrelin in feeding performance.
- To determine if ghrelin deficiency impacts growth, food intake, reproduction, or feeding patterns.
Main Methods:
- Generation of ghrelin-deficient (ghrl(-/-)) mice.
- Comparison of feeding patterns, cumulative food intake, growth, reproduction, and serum parameters between ghrl(-/-) and wild-type (ghrl(+/+)) mice.
- Assessment of responses to scheduled feedings and memory-related feeding performance.
Main Results:
- Ghrelin-deficient mice exhibited normal growth, cumulative food intake, and reproduction.
- No significant differences were observed in feeding patterns or responses to scheduled feedings between ghrelin-deficient and wild-type mice.
- Memory-related feeding performances were indistinguishable between the two groups.
Conclusions:
- Ghrelin is not essential for normal feeding performance in mice.
- The role of ghrelin in regulating feeding behavior may be less critical than previously hypothesized.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the functions of ghrelin.
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