Influence of ghrelin on energy balance and endocrine physiology.

Abstract

Ghrelin is an endogenous ligand of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor. It is mainly secreted by stomach cells but has also been shown to be present in the hypothalamus, pituitary, gonads and many other organs. Ghrelin is a regulator of energy homeostasis and GH secretion. Many studies have been done examining the influence of ghrelin on different organs. Ghrelin may play an important role in pathophysiology of some endocrine diseases. The relationship between ghrelin and pituitary, gonads and thyroid function appears to be specially interesting.