Ghrelin (/ˈɡrɛlɪn/; or lenomorelin, INN) is a hormone primarily produced by enteroendocrine cells of the gastrointestinal tract, especially the stomach,[5][6] and is often called a "hunger hormone" because it increases the drive to eat.[6] Blood levels of ghrelin are highest before meals when hungry, returning to lower levels after mealtimes.[6][7] Ghrelin may help prepare for food intake[6][8] by increasing gastric motility and stimulating the secretion of gastric acid.[6]
Ghrelin activates cells in the anterior pituitary gland and hypothalamic arcuate nucleus,[6][9] including neuropeptide Y neurons that initiate appetite.[6][10] Ghrelin stimulates brain structures having a specific receptor – the growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1A (GHSR-1A).[6][11] Ghrelin also participates in regulation of reward cognition,[12] learning and memory, the sleep-wake cycle, taste sensation, reward behavior, and glucose metabolism.[6][13][14]
Schwartz_2000
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Whereas ghrelin emerged as a stomach-derived hormone involved in energy balance, hunger and meal initiation via hypothalamic circuits, it now seems clear that it also has a role in motivated reward-driven behaviours via activation of the so-called "cholinergic-dopaminergic reward link".
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