Ghrelin

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Ghrelin

Ghrelin (pronounced /ˈɡrɛlɪn/), also known as the hunger hormone, is a peptide hormone produced by ghrelinergic cells in the gastrointestinal tract. It is one of the main hormones that stimulate hunger.

Etymology

The term "ghrelin" is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root ghre, meaning "to grow". This is in reference to the hormone's role in stimulating growth hormone release.

Function

Ghrelin functions as a neuropeptide in the central nervous system. Beyond regulating hunger, ghrelin also plays a significant role in regulating the distribution and rate of use of energy.

When the stomach is empty, ghrelin is secreted. When the stomach is stretched, secretion stops. It acts on hypothalamic brain cells both to increase hunger, and to increase gastric acid secretion and gastrointestinal motility to prepare the body for food intake.

Related Terms

  • Leptin: A hormone that counteracts ghrelin, inhibiting hunger.
  • Peptide YY: A short protein released by cells in the ileum and colon in response to feeding.
  • Cholecystokinin: A hormone that inhibits gastric motility and stimulates the release of pancreatic enzymes in the stomach.
  • Insulin: A hormone made by the pancreas that allows your body to use sugar (glucose) from carbohydrates in the food that you eat for energy or to store glucose for future use.

See Also

External links

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