A preprandial rise in plasma ghrelin levels suggests a role in meal initiation in humans

摘要

The recently discovered orexigenic peptide ghrelin is produced primarily by the stomach and circulates in blood at levels that increase during prolonged fasting in rats. When administered to rodents at supraphysiologi- cal doses, ghrelin activates hypothalamic neuropeptide Y/agouti gene-related protein neurons and increases Food intake and body weight. These findings suggest That ghrelin may participate in meal initiation.