Ghrelin, the new and recently discovered hormone, is a 28 amino-acid acylated peptide predominantly produced by the stomach, characterized by a strong GH-releasing activity mediated by the hypothalamic-pituitary GH Secretagogues (GHSs) receptors. Ghrelin and GHSs, acting on central and peripheral receptors, exert other actions such as: stimulation of ACTH and prolactin secretion; influence insulin secretion and glucose metabolism; have an orexigenic effect and modulatory activity on the neuroendocrine and metabolic response to starvation; influencing exocrine gastro-entero-pancreatic functions; influencing cardiovascular activities and modulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis. With the discovery of ghrelin and the characterization of these GH-independent biological activities, we have to pay more attention to these molecules as candidate drugs for the treatment of pathophysiological conditions including those unrelated to GH secretion disorders.
Ghrelin: a new hormone with endocrine and non-endocrine activities
BROGLIO, Fabio;GHIGO, Ezio;
2004-01-01
Abstract
Ghrelin, the new and recently discovered hormone, is a 28 amino-acid acylated peptide predominantly produced by the stomach, characterized by a strong GH-releasing activity mediated by the hypothalamic-pituitary GH Secretagogues (GHSs) receptors. Ghrelin and GHSs, acting on central and peripheral receptors, exert other actions such as: stimulation of ACTH and prolactin secretion; influence insulin secretion and glucose metabolism; have an orexigenic effect and modulatory activity on the neuroendocrine and metabolic response to starvation; influencing exocrine gastro-entero-pancreatic functions; influencing cardiovascular activities and modulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis. With the discovery of ghrelin and the characterization of these GH-independent biological activities, we have to pay more attention to these molecules as candidate drugs for the treatment of pathophysiological conditions including those unrelated to GH secretion disorders.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.