Effects of Ghrelin on the Sleep-EEG and Nocturnal Secretion of Hormones

Summary

Ghrelin, an acylated peptide consisting of 28 amino acids, is the endogenous ligand of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R). It is synthesized predominantly in the stomach but has been also identified in a variety of other organs. Alike, a wide range of central and peripheral endocrine and non-endocrine actions has been described, e. g. being a releasing factor of growth hormone, prolactin and ACTH, a modulator of cell proliferation and apoptosis, a regulator of sleep-wake regulation, and a orexigenic hormone. Aims of this study are: A) To determine the effect of exogenous ghrelin on sleep-EEG variables and hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis, the gonadotropic axis and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in healthy subjects of both genders (age groups: 20-30, 35-45, 60-70 years). B) To determine the effect of exogenous ghrelin on sleep-EEG variables and hormones of the HPA axis, the gonadotropic axis and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in patients with major depression (age range: 20-65 years).

Timeline

Start

2004-03

Primary completion

—

Completion

2007-10

Publications

• Kluge M, Schussler P, Schmidt D, Uhr M, Steiger A. Ghrelin suppresses secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in women. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2012 Mar;97(3):E448-51. doi: 10.1210/jc.2011-2607. Epub 2012 Jan 18.

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