›› 2012, Vol. 39 ›› Issue (11): 66-69.

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Recent Advances in Studies on Ghrelin and its Biological Functions

LAI Jing-hui1, FAN Hong-jie2   

  1. 1. Department of Animal Science, Suzhou Vocational and Technical College, Suzhou 234101, China;
    2. College of Animal Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
  • Received:2012-03-30 Online:2012-11-20 Published:2012-11-22

Abstract: Ghrelin, a peptide lying widely in animal bodies, is the endogenous ligand for the growth hormone secretagogue receptor(GHSR). Ghrelin, after binding with GHSR in the hypothalamus and pituitary, not only promotes the GH releasing and increases appetite, but also adjusts the functions of digestive system and energy metabolism. This article mainly reviewed the recent developments on structure, distribution and biological effects of ghrelin as well as its potential applications in animal husbandry, which maybe promotes the further research of ghrelin.

Key words: Ghrelin; growth hormone secretagogue; biological function; outlook

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