ABSTRACT
Growth hormone secretagogues are synthetic peptidyl and non- peptidyl molecules that possess growth hormone releasing activity. Ghrelin is an endogenous natural ligand for the growth hormone secretagogue receptor that has recently been isolated from the rat stomach. Ghrelin administration stimulates growth hormone secretion but also causes weight gain by increasing food intake. Ghrelins structural features, secretion patterns, secretion sites, mechanisms of action and interactions and its possible involvement in obesity are still investigated.
Growth hormone secretagogues are synthetic peptidyl and non- peptidyl molecules that possess growth hormone releasing activity. Ghrelin is an endogenous natural ligand for the growth hormone secretagogue receptor that has recently been isolated from the rat stomach. Ghrelin administration stimulates growth hormone secretion but also causes weight gain by increasing food intake. Ghrelins structural features, secretion patterns, secretion sites, mechanisms of action and interactions and its possible involvement in obesity are still investigated.