Ghrelin: Comprehensive Research Guide

Overview

Ghrelin is a 28-amino acid peptide hormone primarily produced in the stomach. It is known as the "hunger hormone" because it stimulates appetite and promotes food intake. Ghrelin also stimulates growth hormone release and plays important roles in energy balance and metabolism.

Mechanism of Action

Appetite Regulation

• Hunger Signal: Stimulates appetite and food intake
• Brain Signaling: Acts on hypothalamus to increase hunger
• Meal Timing: Levels increase before meals, decrease after eating
• Energy Balance: Regulates energy balance

Growth Hormone Release

• GH Secretion: Stimulates growth hormone release
• GHSR Activation: Activates growth hormone secretagogue receptor
• Pulsatile: Promotes pulsatile GH release

Metabolic Effects

• Glucose Metabolism: Affects glucose metabolism
• Fat Storage: May influence fat storage
• Gastric Function: Regulates gastric acid secretion

Research Applications

Appetite Research

• Eating Disorders: Research into eating disorders
• Obesity: Research into obesity mechanisms
• Weight Management: Research into weight control
• Metabolic Disorders: Research into metabolic conditions

Growth Hormone Research

• GH Deficiency: Research into GH deficiency
• Aging: Research into age-related GH decline
• Recovery: Research into recovery enhancement

Dosage

• Research: 1-5 mcg/kg body weight
• Administration: Intravenous or subcutaneous
• Timing: Often administered before meals
• Frequency: Varies by research protocol

Side Effects

• Appetite: Increases appetite (expected effect)
• Mild: Generally mild side effects
• GI Effects: Possible gastrointestinal effects

Storage

• Temperature: -20°C (frozen)
• Light: Protect from light
• Stability: Relatively unstable, requires careful handling

This information is for research and educational purposes only.