Ghrelin is a hormone produced in the stomach and, to a lesser extent, in the intestine and brain. Its levels rise before meals and fall after eating. It binds to the GHS‑R1a receptor in the hypothalamus and activates NPY and AgRP neurons, thereby increasing appetite. Ghrelin also promotes release of growth hormone from the pituitary and affects reward centers and fat deposition. Changes in ghrelin regulation play a role in obesity, eating disorders, and metabolic disorders.
12 hours
