Increased Ghrelin but Low Ghrelin-Reactive Immunoglobulins in a Rat Model of Methotrexate Chemotherapy-Induced Anorexia

Abstract

MTX-induced anorexia, weight loss, and anxiety are accompanied by increased ghrelin production and by a decrease of ghrelin-reactive IgG levels and affinity binding properties. Such changes of ghrelin-reactive IgG may underlie their decreased ghrelin-transporting capacities compromising ghrelin orexigenic and anxiolytic effects and contributing to chemotherapy-induced loss of appetite.