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A RAPID Method for Blood Processing to Increase the Yield of Plasma Peptide Levels in Human Blood

A RAPID Method for Blood Processing to Increase the Yield of Plasma Peptide Levels in Human Blood

Published on: April 28, 2016

Ghrelin and gastrointestinal movement.

Naoki Fujitsuka¹, Akihiro Asakawa, Haruka Amitani

¹Department of Psychosomatic Internal Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan.

Methods in Enzymology

|September 15, 2012

Summary

Ghrelin stimulates gastric emptying and gastrointestinal movement. This hormone shows promise as a therapeutic target for gastrointestinal disorders, restoring normal motor activity.

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Gastrointestinal Motility Monitor (GIMM)

Gastrointestinal Motility Monitor (GIMM)

Published on: December 1, 2010

Area of Science:

Gastroenterology
Neuroendocrinology
Pharmacology

Background:

Ghrelin is a key regulator of gastric emptying and gastrointestinal (GI) motility.
Clinical studies show intravenous ghrelin accelerates gastric emptying and induces phase III contractions in humans.
Advances in animal models allow detailed investigation of ghrelin's mechanism of action.

Purpose of the Study:

To elucidate the precise mechanism of ghrelin's action on GI motility.
To investigate ghrelin's role in regulating fasted and fed motor activities.
To evaluate ghrelin and rikkunshito as potential therapeutics for GI disorders.

Main Methods:

Administration of ghrelin intravenously in conscious small animals (rats, mice, Suncus murinus).
Measurement of GI motility, focusing on antrum and duodenum contractions.
Utilizing animal models of disrupted GI motility (fenfluramine-treated rats, cancer anorexia-cachexia model).

Main Results:

Ghrelin administration induced fasted motor activities and phase III-like contractions in the antrum and duodenum.
Ghrelin's effects are mediated via hypothalamic neuropeptide Y neurons and vagal afferent terminals.
Ghrelin and rikkunshito restored normal motor activity in models of disrupted GI function.

Conclusions:

Ghrelin plays a significant role in regulating GI motility, particularly fasted motor patterns.
The mechanism involves central orexigenic pathways and peripheral vagal signaling.
Ghrelin and its potentiators represent promising therapeutic targets for GI motility disorders.