Ghrelin, Mouse, Rat

Ghrelin, a peptide hormone produced by the stomach oxyntic cells plays a crucial role in appetite regulation. It binds to the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R), which stimulates the release of GH. Ghrelin, which promotes food uptake and body weight increase, acts as an antagonist of leptin. Thus, it has become an important tool in obesity research. Additionally, ghrelin is involved in the bone metabolism, in reproduction, and in the immune system.