Library · Molecule
Ghrelin
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Ghrelin is a hormone, meaning a chemical message that one organ releases into the blood to give an order somewhere else. Its order is to stimulate appetite, and in doing so it plays a part in the body's energy balance.
What stands out is when it shows up. It is released when the stomach is empty, during fasting, and it eases off when the stomach stretches after a meal: a signal from an empty stomach that switches off once it fills.
It is made mainly by cells in the stomach wall called PD/D1. From there the message reaches the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that keeps track of hunger, and there it triggers the release of two substances with long names, neuropeptide Y and agouti-related protein.
The strength of the effect has been measured: when ghrelin is given to people, they eat up to 30 percent more. And not all foods lower it equally; carbohydrates and protein reduce its release more than fats do.
In brief
Ghrelin is a peptide hormone that stimulates appetite and plays a role in energy balance.
It is secreted when the stomach is empty, during fasting, and is suppressed when the stomach stretches with food.
A signal from an empty stomach that switches off once it fills.
It comes mainly from PD/D1 cells in the stomach; in the hypothalamus it triggers neuropeptide Y and agouti-related protein.
Given to people, it increases food intake by up to 30 percent; carbohydrates and protein lower it more than fat does.
Sources (1)
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, StatPearls PublishingBiochemistry, Ghrelin, StatPearlsPublished
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