Ghrelin: a novel growth-hormone releasing peptide
Kojima, M.; Kangawa, K.
Nihon Rinsho. Japanese Journal of Clinical Medicine 59(7): 1400-1407
2001
ISSN/ISBN: 0047-1852 PMID: 11494558 Document Number: 527922
Growth hormone secretagogues are small synthetic molecules that act through an orphan G-protein coupled receptor(GPCR) called GHS-R. We purified its endogenous ligand from rat stomach and named it 'ghrelin'. Ghrelin is a 28-amino-acid peptide with an essential n-octanoyl modification at Ser3. The discovery of ghrelin indicates that the release of GH from the pituitary may be regulated not only by hypothalamic GHRH, but also by ghrelin from the stomach and hypothalamus. Moreover, ghrelin induces appetite-stimulating effect and adiposity in rat. These facts indicate that ghrelin is a natural leptin antagonist.