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Related Concept Videos

Regulation of Food Intake01:30

Regulation of Food Intake

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Short-term regulation of food intake primarily involves neural signals from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, blood nutrient levels, and GI tract hormones. Communication between the gut and brain via vagal nerve fibers plays a significant role in evaluating the contents of the gut. Clinical studies have shown that protein ingestion produces a more prolonged response in these nerve fibers compared to an equivalent amount of glucose. Additionally, the activation of stretch receptors caused by GI...
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Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists01:24

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Incretins include glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), which stimulate insulin secretion post-meals. In type 2 diabetes, GIP's efficacy is reduced, making GLP-1 a viable drug target. GIP originates from preproGIP.
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...
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Hypoglycemia and Glucagon01:15

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Without prolonged fasting, healthy individuals maintain blood glucose levels above 3.5 mM due to a well-adapted neuroendocrine counterregulatory system that effectively prevents acute hypoglycemia, a potentially life-threatening condition. The primary clinical scenarios for hypoglycemia encompass diabetes treatment, inappropriate production of endogenous insulin or insulin-like substances by tumors, and the use of glucose-lowering agents in non-diabetic individuals. Notably, hypoglycemia in the...
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Hormonal Regulation01:40

Hormonal Regulation

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Hormones regulate a significant portion of digestion through activation of the neuroendocrine system. The neuroendocrine system of digestion contains many different hormones all with multiple functions that are both, directly and indirectly, involved in digestion.
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Primary Motives: Hunger and Thirst01:25

Primary Motives: Hunger and Thirst

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Hunger and thirst are fundamental physiological drives crucial for maintaining homeostasis and ensuring the survival of both humans and animals. These drives are regulated through complex interactions between the brain, hormones, and sensory receptors.
Hunger arises when the brain detects changes in the body's nutrient levels, including glucose, lipids, amino acids, and hormones such as ghrelin and leptin. The hypothalamus plays a central role in hunger regulation. The lateral hypothalamus...
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Hormones Secreted by the Stomach01:25

Hormones Secreted by the Stomach

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Enteroendocrine cells, accounting for only 1% of stomach epithelial cells, play a significant role in digestion and are classified by their digestive hormone secretions.
Each of these hormones secreted by different enteroendocrine cells plays a unique role in digestion. Here are a few examples:
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 19, 2026

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

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Ghrelin as a Survival Hormone.

Bharath K Mani1, Jeffrey M Zigman1

  • 1Divisions of Hypothalamic Research and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, and Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390-9077, USA.

Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism: TEM
|November 4, 2017
PubMed
Summary

The ghrelin system, initially eyed for obesity, may actually be crucial for survival. It defends blood glucose and body weight during extreme stress, highlighting its metabolic importance.

Keywords:
blood glucosecachexiaghrelinhypoglycemiapsychosocial stresssurvival

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Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Metabolic research
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • The ghrelin system was initially investigated as a potential target for anti-obesity interventions due to its orexigenic effects.
  • However, studies using genetic mouse models have questioned the endogenous ghrelin system's role in body weight homeostasis and obesity development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the emerging concept of the endogenous ghrelin system's function beyond appetite regulation.
  • To highlight its critical role in survival under extreme physiological and psychological challenges.

Main Methods:

  • This review synthesizes findings from existing literature, including studies on genetic mouse models and metabolic challenges.
  • Analysis of the ghrelin system's impact on glucose homeostasis, body weight, and behavioral responses to stress.

Main Results:

  • The endogenous ghrelin system plays a vital role in defending blood glucose levels during nutritional challenges.
  • It is essential for protecting body weight and preventing exaggerated depressive behaviors under duress.
  • These functions collectively support organismal survival during extreme conditions.

Conclusions:

  • The endogenous ghrelin system is metabolically important and essential for survival, particularly under extreme nutritional and psychological stress.
  • Its role extends beyond appetite regulation, encompassing critical defense mechanisms for glucose and body weight.
  • Re-evaluating the ghrelin system's function is necessary, considering its broader physiological and survival-promoting roles.