Potential role of the growth hormone secretagogues in clinical practice

Bibliography

• BOWERS CY, MOMANY FA, REYNOLDS GA, HONG A: On the in vitro and in vivo activity of a new synthetic hexapeptide that acts on the pituitary to specifically release growth hormone. Endocrinology (1984) 114(5):1537-1545.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• BOWERS CY, ALSTER DK, FRENTZ JM: The growth hormone-releasing activity of a synthetic hexapeptide in normal men and short statured children after oral administration. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metabol. (1992) 74(2):292-298.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• CHENG K, CHAN WW, BARRETO A Jr, CONVEY EM, SMITH RG: The synergistic effects of His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2 on growth hormone (GH)-releasing factor-stimulated GH release and intracellular adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate accumulation in rat primary pituitary cell culture. Endocrinology (1989) 124(6):2791-2798.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• MAU SE, WITT MR, BJERRUM OJ, SAERMARK T, VILHARDT H: Growth hormone releasing hexapeptide (GHRP-6) activates the inositol (1,4,5)-trisphosphate/diacylglycerol pathway in rat anterior pituitary cells. J. Recept. Signal Transduct. Res. (1995) 15(1-4):311-323.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• DEGHENGHI R, CANANZI MM, TORSELLO A et al.: GH-releasing activity of hexarelin, a new growth hormone releasing peptide, in infant and adult rats. Life Sci. (1994) 54(18):1321-1328.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• ARIENS EJ, BELD AJ, RODRIGUES DE, MIRANDA JF, SIMONIS AM: The pharmacon-receptor-effector concept, a basis for understanding the transmission of information in biological systems. In: The receptors. O'Brien RD (Ed.), Plenum Press, New York and London (1979):33-91.
   Google Scholar
• PATCHETT AA, NARGUND RP, TATA JR et al.: Design and biological activities of L-163,191 (MK-0677): a potent, orally active growth hormone secretagogue. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (1995) 92(15):7001-7005.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• CHAPMAN IM, BACH MA, VAN CAUTER E et al.: Stimulation of the growth hormone (GH)-insulin-like growth factor I axis by daily oral administration of a GH secretogogue (MK-677) in healthy elderly subjects. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metabol. (1996) 81(12):4249-4257.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• HICKEY GJ, JACKS TM, SCHLEIM KD et al.: Repeat administration of the GH secretagogue MK-0677 increases and maintains elevated IGF-I levels in beagles. J. Endocrinol. (1997) 152(2):183-192.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• RAUN K, HANSEN BS, JOHANSEN NL et al.: Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue. Eur. J. Endocrinol./Eur. Feder. Endocri. Soci. (1998) 139(5):552-561.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• HANSEN BS, RAUN K, NIELSEN KK et al.: Pharmacological characterisation of a new oral GH secretagogue, NN703. Eur. J. Endocrinol. / Eur. Feder. Endocri. Soci. (1999) 141(2):180-189.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• ZDRAVKOVIC M, OLSEN AK, CHRISTIANSEN T et al.: A clinical study investigating the pharmacokinetic interaction between NN703 (tabimorelin), a potential inhibitor of CYP3A4 activity, and midazolam, a CYP3A4 substrate. Eur. J. Clin. Pharmacol. (2003) 58(10):683-688.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• BROGLIO F, BENSO A, GOTTERO C et al.: Endocrine activities of alexamorelin (Ala-His-D-2-methyl-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2), a synthetic GH secretagogue, in humans. Eur. J. Endocrinol./Eur. Feder. Endocri. Soci. (2000) 143(3):419-425.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• PICCOLI F, DEGEN L, MACLEAN C et al.: Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic effects of an oral ghrelin agonist in healthy subjects. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metabol. (2007).
   Google Scholar
• HOWARD AD, FEIGHNER SD, CULLY DF et al.: A receptor in pituitary and hypothalamus that functions in growth hormone release. Science (1996) 273(5277):974-977.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• KOJIMA M, HOSODA H, DATE Y et al.: Ghrelin is a growth-hormone-releasing acylated peptide from stomach. Nature (1999) 402(6762):656-660.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• BEDNAREK MA, FEIGHNER SD, PONG SS et al.: Structure–function studies on the new growth hormone-releasing peptide, ghrelin: minimal sequence of ghrelin necessary for activation of growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a. J. Med. Chem. (2000) 43(23):4370-4376.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• ZHANG JV, REN PG, AVSIAN-KRETCHMER O et al.: Obestatin, a peptide encoded by the ghrelin gene, opposes ghrelin's effects on food intake. Science (2005) 310(5750):996-999.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• GOURCEROL G, TACHE Y: Obestatin – a ghrelin-associated peptide that does not hold its promise to suppress food intake and motility. Neurogastroenterol. Motil. (2007) 19(4):327.
   Google Scholar
• GOURCEROL G, TACHE Y: Obestatin – a ghrelin-associated peptide that does not hold its promise to suppress food intake and motility. Neurogastroenterol. Motil. (2007) 19(3):161-165.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• HOLST B, EGEROD KL, SCHILD E et al.: GPR39 signaling is stimulated by zinc ions but not by obestatin. Endocrinology (2007) 148(1):13-20.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• HOSODA H, KOJIMA M, MATSUO H, KANGAWA K: Purification and characterization of rat des-Gln14-Ghrelin, a second endogenous ligand for the growth hormone secretagogue receptor. J. Biol. Chem. (2000) 275(29):21995-22000.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• PATTERSON M, MURPHY KG, LE ROUX CW, GHATEI MA, BLOOM SR: Characterization of ghrelin-like immunoreactivity in human plasma. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metabol. (2005) 90(4):2205-2211.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• GNANAPAVAN S, KOLA B, BUSTIN SA et al.: The tissue distribution of the mRNA of ghrelin and subtypes of its receptor, GHS-R, in humans. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metabol. (2002) 87(6):2988.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• ROCHA-SOUSA A, SARAIVA J, HENRIQUES-COELHO T et al.: Ghrelin as a novel locally produced relaxing peptide of the iris sphincter and dilator muscles. Exp. Eye Res. (2006) 83(5):1179-1187.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• DIXIT VD, SCHAFFER EM, PYLE RS et al.: Ghrelin inhibits leptin-and activation-induced proinflammatory cytokine expression by human monocytes and T cells. J. Clin. Invest. (2004) 114(1):57-66.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• KAWAMURA K, SATO N, FUKUDA J et al.: Ghrelin inhibits the development of mouse preimplantation embryos in vitro. Endocrinology (2003) 144(6):2623-2633.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• BANKS WA, TSCHOP M, ROBINSON SM, HEIMAN ML: Extent and direction of ghrelin transport across the blood–brain barrier is determined by its unique primary structure. J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. (2002) 302(2):822-827.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• PONG SS, CHAUNG LY, DEAN DC et al.: Identification of a new G-protein-linked receptor for growth hormone secretagogues. Mol. Endocrinol. (1996) 10(1):57-61.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• CHAN CB, CHENG CH: Identification and functional characterization of two alternatively spliced growth hormone secretagogue receptor transcripts from the pituitary of black seabream Acanthopagrus schlegeli. Mol. Cell. Endocrinol. (2004) 214(1-2):81-95.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• CUNHA SR, MAYO KE: Ghrelin and growth hormone (GH) secretagogues potentiate GH-releasing hormone (GHRH)-induced cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate production in cells expressing transfected GHRH and GH secretagogue receptors. Endocrinology (2002) 143(12):4570-4582.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• FEIGHNER SD, HOWARD AD, PRENDERGAST K et al.: Structural requirements for the activation of the human growth hormone secretagogue receptor by peptide and nonpeptide secretagogues. Mol. Endocrinol. (1998) 12(1):137-145.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• CARREIRA MC, CAMINA JP, SMITH RG, CASANUEVA FF: Agonist-specific coupling of growth hormone secretagogue receptor type 1a to different intracellular signaling systems. Role of adenosine. Neuroendocrinology (2004) 79(1):13-25.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• HERMANSSON NO, MORGAN DG, DRMOTA T, LARSSON N: Adenosine is not a direct GHSR agonist – artificial cross-talk between GHSR and adenosine receptor pathways. Acta Physiol. (Oxford, England) (2007) 190(1):77-86.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• SMITH RG, GRIFFIN PR, XU Y et al.: Adenosine: a partial agonist of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. (2000) 276(3):1306-1313.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• GHELARDONI S, CARNICELLI V, FRASCARELLI S, RONCA-TESTONI S, ZUCCHI R: Ghrelin tissue distribution: comparison between gene and protein expression. J. Endocrinol. Invest. (2006) 29(2):115-121.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• IGLESIAS MJ, PINEIRO R, BLANCO M et al.: Growth hormone releasing peptide (ghrelin) is synthesized and secreted by cardiomyocytes. Cardiovasc. Res. (2004) 62(3):481-488.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• KATUGAMPOLA SD, PALLIKAROS Z, DAVENPORT AP: [125I-His(9)]-ghrelin, a novel radioligand for localizing GHS orphan receptors in human and rat tissue: up-regulation of receptors with athersclerosis. Br. J. Pharmacol. (2001) 134(1):143-149.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• TENA-SEMPERE M, BARREIRO ML, GONZALEZ LC et al.: Novel expression and functional role of ghrelin in rat testis. Endocrinology (2002) 143(2):717-725.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• PAPOTTI M, GHE C, CASSONI P et al.: Growth hormone secretagogue binding sites in peripheral human tissues. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metabol. (2000) 85(10):3803-3807.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• MALAGON MM, LUQUE RM, RUIZ-GUERRERO E et al.: Intracellular signaling mechanisms mediating ghrelin-stimulated growth hormone release in somatotropes. Endocrinology (2003) 144(12):5372-5380.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• BALDANZI G, FILIGHEDDU N, CUTRUPI S et al.: Ghrelin and des-acyl ghrelin inhibit cell death in cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells through ERK1/2 and PI3-kinase/AKT. J. Cell Biol. (2002) 159(6):1029-1037.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• BEDENDI I, ALLOATTI G, MARCANTONI A et al.: Cardiac effects of ghrelin and its endogenous derivatives des-octanoyl ghrelin and des-Gln14-ghrelin. Eur. J. Pharmacol. (2003) 476(1-2):87-95.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• SOARES JB, ROCHA-SOUSA A, CASTRO-CHAVES P, HENRIQUES-COELHO T, LEITE-MOREIRA AF: Inotropic and lusitropic effects of ghrelin and their modulation by the endocardial endothelium, NO, prostaglandins, GHS-R1a and KCa channels. Peptides (2006) 27(7):1616-1623.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• FEBBRAIO M, HAJJAR DP, SILVERSTEIN RL: CD36: a class B scavenger receptor involved in angiogenesis, atherosclerosis, inflammation, and lipid metabolism. J. Clin. Invest. (2001) 108(6):785-791.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• BODART V, FEBBRAIO M, DEMERS A et al.: CD36 mediates the cardiovascular action of growth hormone-releasing peptides in the heart. Circ. Res. (2002) 90(8):844-849.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• TAKAYA K, ARIYASU H, KANAMOTO N et al.: Ghrelin strongly stimulates growth hormone release in humans. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metabol. (2000) 85(12):4908-4911.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• ARVAT E, DI VITO L, BROGLIO F et al.: Preliminary evidence that Ghrelin, the natural GH secretagogue (GHS)-receptor ligand, strongly stimulates GH secretion in humans. J. Endocrinol. Invest. (2000) 23(8):493-495.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• HATAYA Y, AKAMIZU T, TAKAYA K et al.: A low dose of ghrelin stimulates growth hormone (GH) release synergistically with GH-releasing hormone in humans. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metabol. (2001) 86(9):4552.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• POPOVIC V, MILJIC D, MICIC D et al.: Ghrelin main action on the regulation of growth hormone release is exerted at hypothalamic level. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metabol. (2003) 88(7):3450-3453.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• SUN Y, WANG P, ZHENG H, SMITH RG: Ghrelin stimulation of growth hormone release and appetite is mediated through the growth hormone secretagogue receptor. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (2004) 101(13):4679-4684.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• BROGLIO F, GOTTERO C, BENSO A et al.: Effects of ghrelin on the insulin and glycemic responses to glucose, arginine, or free fatty acids load in humans. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metabol. (2003) 88(9):4268-4272.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• ARVAT E, MACCARIO M, DI VITO L et al.: Endocrine activities of ghrelin, a natural growth hormone secretagogue (GHS), in humans: comparison and interactions with hexarelin, a nonnatural peptidyl GHS, and GH-releasing hormone. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metabol. (2001) 86(3):1169-1174.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• OTTO B, TSCHOP M, HELDWEIN W, PFEIFFER AF, DIEDERICH S: Endogenous and exogenous glucocorticoids decrease plasma ghrelin in humans. Eur. J. Endocrinol. / Eur. Feder. Endocri. Soci. (2004) 151(1):113-117.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• GIORDANO R, PICU A, BROGLIO F et al.: Ghrelin, hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and Cushing's syndrome. Pituitary (2004) 7(4):243-248.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• ARVAT E, CEDA GP, DI VITO L et al.: Age-related variations in the neuroendocrine control, more than impaired receptor sensitivity, cause the reduction in the GH-releasing activity of GHRPs in human aging. Pituitary (1998) 1(1):51-58.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• KORBONITS M, GUEORGUIEV M, O'GRADY E et al.: A variation in the ghrelin gene increases weight and decreases insulin secretion in tall, obese children. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metabol. (2002) 87(8):4005-4008.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• FRIEBOES RM, MURCK H, MAIER P et al.: Growth hormone-releasing peptide-6 stimulates sleep, growth hormone, ACTH and cortisol release in normal man. Neuroendocrinology (1995) 61(5):584-589.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• ARVAT E, DI VITO L, MACCAGNO B et al.: Effects of GHRP-2 and hexarelin, two synthetic GH-releasing peptides, on GH, prolactin, ACTH and cortisol levels in man. Comparison with the effects of GHRH, TRH and hCRH. Peptides (1997) 18(6):885-891.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• ALTINOVA AE, TORUNER F, KARAKOC A et al.: Serum Ghrelin levels in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Thyroid (2006) 16(12):1259-1264.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• GIMENEZ-PALOP O, GIMENEZ-PEREZ G, MAURICIO D et al.: Circulating ghrelin in thyroid dysfunction is related to insulin resistance and not to hunger, food intake or anthropometric changes. Eur. J. Endocrinol. Eur. Feder. Endocri. Soci. (2005) 153(1):73-79.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• RIIS AL, HANSEN TK, MOLLER N, WEEKE J, JORGENSEN JO: Hyperthyroidism is associated with suppressed circulating ghrelin levels. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metabol. (2003) 88(2):853-857.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• KIM K, SANNO N, ARAI K et al.: Ghrelin mRNA and GH secretagogue receptor mRNA in human GH-producing pituitary adenomas is affected by mutations in the α-subunit of G-protein. Clin. Endocrinol. (2003) 59(5):630-636.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• GUALILLO O, CAMINOS JE, KOJIMA M et al.: Gender and gonadal influences on ghrelin mRNA levels in rat stomach. Eur. J. Endocrinol. / Eur. Feder. Endocri. Soci. (2001) 144(6):687-690.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• CUMMINGS DE, WEIGLE DS, FRAYO RS et al.: Plasma ghrelin levels after diet-induced weight loss or gastric bypass surgery. N. Engl. J. Med. (2002) 346(21):1623-1630.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• TSCHOP M, WAWARTA R, RIEPL RL et al.: Post-prandial decrease of circulating human ghrelin levels. J. Endocrinol. Invest. (2001) 24(6):RC19-21.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• DRAZEN DL, WOODS SC: Peripheral signals in the control of satiety and hunger. Curr. Opin. Clin. Nutr. Metab. Care (2003) 6(6):621-629.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• COWLEY MA, SMITH RG, DIANO S et al.: The distribution and mechanism of action of ghrelin in the CNS demonstrates a novel hypothalamic circuit regulating energy homeostasis. Neuron (2003) 37(4):649-661.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• DATE Y, MURAKAMI N, TOSHINAI K et al.: The role of the gastric afferent vagal nerve in ghrelin-induced feeding and growth hormone secretion in rats. Gastroenterology (2002) 123(4):1120-1128.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• HEWSON AK, DICKSON SL: Systemic administration of ghrelin induces Fos and Egr-1 proteins in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus of fasted and fed rats. J. Neuroendocrinol. (2000) 12(11):1047-1049.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• KAMEGAI J, TAMURA H, SHIMIZU T et al.: Central effect of ghrelin, an endogenous growth hormone secretagogue, on hypothalamic peptide gene expression. Endocrinology (2000) 141(12):4797-4800.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• NAKAZATO M, MURAKAMI N, DATE Y et al.: A role for ghrelin in the central regulation of feeding. Nature (2001) 409(6817):194-198.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• WILLESEN MG, KRISTENSEN P, ROMER J: Co-localization of growth hormone secretagogue receptor and NPY mRNA in the arcuate nucleus of the rat. Neuroendocrinology (1999) 70(5):306-316.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• TOSHINAI K, DATE Y, MURAKAMI N et al.: Ghrelin-induced food intake is mediated via the orexin pathway. Endocrinology (2003) 144(4):1506-1512.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• NEARY NM, DRUCE MR, SMALL CJ, BLOOM SR: Acylated ghrelin stimulates food intake in the fed and fasted states but desacylated ghrelin has no effect. Gut (2006) 55(1):135.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• MUNDINGER TO, CUMMINGS DE, TABORSKY GJ Jr: Direct stimulation of ghrelin secretion by sympathetic nerves. Endocrinology (2006) 147(6):2893-2901.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• AO Y, GO VL, TOY N et al.: Brainstem thyrotropin-releasing hormone regulates food intake through vagal-dependent cholinergic stimulation of ghrelin secretion. Endocrinology (2006) 147(12):6004-6010.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• TSCHOP M, SMILEY DL, HEIMAN ML: Ghrelin induces adiposity in rodents. Nature (2000) 407(6806):908-913.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• LEIDY HJ, GARDNER JK, FRYE BR et al.: Circulating ghrelin is sensitive to changes in body weight during a diet and exercise program in normal-weight young women. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metabol. (2004) 89(6):2659-2664.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• KUROSE Y, IQBAL J, RAO A et al.: Changes in expression of the genes for the leptin receptor and the growth hormone-releasing peptide/ghrelin receptor in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus with long-term manipulation of adiposity by dietary means. J. Neuroendocrinol. (2005) 17(6):331-340.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• TUNG YC, HEWSON AK, CARTER RN, DICKSON SL: Central responsiveness to a ghrelin mimetic (GHRP-6) is rapidly altered by acute changes in nutritional status in rats. J. Neuroendocrinol. (2005) 17(6):387-393.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• WILLIAMS DL, GRILL HJ, CUMMINGS DE, KAPLAN JM: Overfeeding-induced weight gain suppresses plasma ghrelin levels in rats. J. Endocrinol. Invest. (2006) 29(10):863-868.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• OTTO B, CUNTZ U, FRUEHAUF E et al.: Weight gain decreases elevated plasma ghrelin concentrations of patients with anorexia nervosa. Eur. J. Endocrinol. / Eur. Feder. Endocri. Soci. (2001) 145(5):669-673.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• NEDVIDKOVA J, KRYKORKOVA I, BARTAK V et al.: Loss of meal-induced decrease in plasma ghrelin levels in patients with anorexia nervosa. J. Cin. Endocrinol. Metabol. (2003) 88(4):1678-1682.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• CUNTZ U, FRUHAUF E, WAWARTA R et al.: A role for the novel weight-regulating hormone ghrelin in anorexia nervosa. Am. Clin. Lab. (2002) 21(4):22-23.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• SHIMIZU Y, NAGAYA N, ISOBE T et al.: Increased plasma ghrelin level in lung cancer cachexia. Clin. Cancer Res. (2003) 9(2):774-778.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• NAGAYA N, UEMATSU M, KOJIMA M et al.: Elevated circulating level of ghrelin in cachexia associated with chronic heart failure: relationships between ghrelin and anabolic/catabolic factors. Circulation (2001) 104(17):2034-2038.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• TANAKA M, NAKAHARA T, KOJIMA S et al.: Effect of nutritional rehabilitation on circulating ghrelin and growth hormone levels in patients with anorexia nervosa. Regulat. Peptides (2004) 122(3):163-168.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• TANAKA M, NARUO T, MURANAGA T et al.: Increased fasting plasma ghrelin levels in patients with bulimia nervosa. Eur. J. Endocrinol. / Eur. Feder. Endocri. Soci. (2002) 146(6):R1-R3.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• TANAKA M, NAKAHARA T, MURANAGA T et al.: Ghrelin concentrations and cardiac vagal tone are decreased after pharmacologic and cognitive-behavioral treatment in patients with bulimia nervosa. Horm. Behav. (2006) 50(2):261-265.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• ANDO T, KOMAKI G, NARUO T et al.: Possible role of preproghrelin gene polymorphisms in susceptibility to bulimia nervosa. Am. J. Med. Genet. B. Neuropsychiatr. Genet. (2006) 141(8):929-934.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• DEBOER MD, ZHU XX, LEVASSEUR P et al.: Ghrelin treatment causes increased food intake and retention of lean body mass in a rat model of cancer cachexia. Endocrinology (2007).
   Google Scholar
• NAGAYA N, KOJIMA M, UEMATSU M et al.: Hemodynamic and hormonal effects of human ghrelin in healthy volunteers. Am. J. Physiol. Regul. Integr. Comp. Physiol. (2001) 280(5):R1483-R1487.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• NAGAYA N, MORIYA J, YASUMURA Y et al.: Effects of ghrelin administration on left ventricular function, exercise capacity, and muscle wasting in patients with chronic heart failure. Circulation (2004) 110(24):3674-3679.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• MURPHY MG, PLUNKETT LM, GERTZ BJ et al.: MK-677, an orally active growth hormone secretagogue, reverses diet-induced catabolism. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metabol. (1998) 83(2):320-325.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• SMITH RG: Development of growth hormone secretagogues. Endocri. Rev. (2005) 26(3):346-360.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• MIRAGLIA DEL GIUDICE E, SANTORO N, CIRILLO G et al.: Molecular screening of the ghrelin gene in Italian obese children: the Leu72Met variant is associated with an earlier onset of obesity. Int. J. Obes. Relat. Metab. Disord. (2004) 28(3):447-450.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• HANUSCH-ENSERER U, BRABANT G, RODEN M: Ghrelin concentrations in morbidly obese patients after adjustable gastric banding. N. Engl. J. Med. (2003) 348(21):2159-2160.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• LEONETTI F, SILECCHIA G, IACOBELLIS G et al.: Different plasma ghrelin levels after laparoscopic gastric bypass and adjustable gastric banding in morbid obese subjects. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metabol. (2003) 88(9):4227-4231.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• BITTEL DC, BUTLER MG: Prader-Willi syndrome: clinical genetics, cytogenetics and molecular biology. Expert Rev. Mol. Med. (2005) 7(14):1-20.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• GOLDSTONE AP, THOMAS EL, BRYNES AE et al.: Elevated fasting plasma ghrelin in Prader-Willi syndrome adults is not solely explained by their reduced visceral adiposity and insulin resistance. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metabol. (2004) 89(4):1718-1726.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• TALEBIZADEH Z, KIBIRYEVA N, BITTEL DC, BUTLER MG: Ghrelin, peptide YY and their receptors: gene expression in brain from subjects with and without Prader-Willi syndrome. Int. J. Mol. Med. (2005) 15(4):707-711.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• SHEARMAN LP, WANG SP, HELMLING S et al.: Ghrelin neutralization by a ribonucleic acid-SPM ameliorates obesity in diet-induced obese mice. Endocrinology (2006) 147(3):1517-1526.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• ZIGMAN JM, NAKANO Y, COPPARI R et al.: Mice lacking ghrelin receptors resist the development of diet-induced obesity. J. Clin. Invest. (2005) 115(12):3564-3572.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• HEIJBOER AC, VAN DEN HOEK AM, PARLEVLIET ET et al.: Ghrelin differentially affects hepatic and peripheral insulin sensitivity in mice. Diabetologia (2006) 49(4):732-738.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• MURATA M, OKIMURA Y, IIDA K et al.: Ghrelin modulates the downstream molecules of insulin signaling in hepatoma cells. J. Biol. Chem. (2002) 277(7):5667-5674.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• GAUNA C, DELHANTY PJ, HOFLAND LJ et al.: Ghrelin stimulates, whereas des-octanoyl ghrelin inhibits, glucose output by primary hepatocytes. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metabol. (2005) 90(2):1055-1060.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• BARAZZONI R, BOSUTTI A, STEBEL M et al.: Ghrelin regulates mitochondrial-lipid metabolism gene expression and tissue fat distribution in liver and skeletal muscle. Am. J. Physiol. Endocrinol. Metab. (2005) 288(1):E228-E235.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• KIM MS, YOON CY, JANG PG et al.: The mitogenic and antiapoptotic actions of ghrelin in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Mol. Endocrinol. (2004) 18(9):2291-2301.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• UKKOLA O, POYKKO SM, ANTERO KESANIEMI Y: Low plasma ghrelin concentration is an indicator of the metabolic syndrome. Annals Med. (2006) 38(4):274-279.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• POYKKO SM, KELLOKOSKI E, HORKKO S et al.: Low plasma ghrelin is associated with insulin resistance, hypertension, and the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes. Diabetes (2003) 52(10):2546-2553.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• MASAOKA T, SUZUKI H, HOSODA H et al.: Enhanced plasma ghrelin levels in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. FEBS Lett. (2003) 541(1-3):64-68.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• ISHII S, KAMEGAI J, TAMURA H et al.: Role of ghrelin in streptozotocin-induced diabetic hyperphagia. Endocrinology (2002) 143(12):4934-4937.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• DONG J, PEETERS TL, DE SMET B et al.: Role of endogenous ghrelin in the hyperphagia of mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Endocrinology (2006) 147(6):2634-2642.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• IKEZAKI A, HOSODA H, ITO K et al.: Fasting plasma ghrelin levels are negatively correlated with insulin resistance and PAI-1, but not with leptin, in obese children and adolescents. Diabetes (2002) 51(12):3408-3411.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• PEMBERTON CJ, TOKOLA H, BAGI Z et al.: Ghrelin induces vasoconstriction in the rat coronary vasculature without altering cardiac peptide secretion. Am. J. Physiol. (2004) 287(4):H1522-H1529.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• LI WG, GAVRILA D, LIU X et al.: Ghrelin inhibits proinflammatory responses and nuclear factor-κB activation in human endothelial cells. Circulation (2004) 109(18):2221-2226.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• WILEY KE, DAVENPORT AP: Comparison of vasodilators in human internal mammary artery: ghrelin is a potent physiological antagonist of endothelin-1. Br. J. Pharmacol. (2002) 136(8):1146-1152.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• KLEINZ MJ, MAGUIRE JJ, SKEPPER JN, DAVENPORT AP: Functional and immunocytochemical evidence for a role of ghrelin and des-octanoyl ghrelin in the regulation of vascular tone in man. Cardiovasc. Res. (2006) 69(1):227-235.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• SHINDE UA, DESAI KM, YU C, GOPALAKRISHNAN V: Nitric oxide synthase inhibition exaggerates the hypotensive response to ghrelin: role of calcium-activated potassium channels. J. Hypertens. (2005) 23(4):779-784.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• LI A, CHENG G, ZHU GH, TARNAWSKI AS: Ghrelin stimulates angiogenesis in human microvascular endothelial cells: .implications beyond GH release. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. (2007) 353(2):238-243.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• WEEKERS F, VAN HERCK E, ISGAARD J, VAN DEN BERGHE G: Pretreatment with growth hormone-releasing peptide-2 directly protects against the diastolic dysfunction of myocardial stunning in an isolated, blood-perfused rabbit heart model. Endocrinology (2000) 141(11):3993-3999.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• LOCATELLI V, ROSSONI G, SCHWEIGER F et al.: Growth hormone-independent cardioprotective effects of hexarelin in the rat. Endocrinology (1999) 140(9):4024-4031.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• TORSELLO A, BRESCIANI E, ROSSONI G et al.: Ghrelin plays a minor role in the physiological control of cardiac function in the rat. Endocrinology (2003) 144(5):1787-1792.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• IWASE M, KANAZAWA H, KATO Y et al.: Growth hormone-releasing peptide can improve left ventricular dysfunction and attenuate dilation in dilated cardiomyopathic hamsters. Cardiovasc. Res. (2004) 61(1):30-38.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• ANKER SD, CHUA TP, PONIKOWSKI P et al.: Hormonal changes and catabolic/anabolic imbalance in chronic heart failure and their importance for cardiac cachexia. Circulation (1997) 96(2):526-534.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• NAGAYA N, KANGAWA K: Ghrelin, a novel growth hormone-releasing peptide, in the treatment of chronic heart failure. Regul. Peptides (2003) 114(2-3):71-77.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• MATSUMURA K, TSUCHIHASHI T, FUJII K, ABE I, IIDA M: Central ghrelin modulates sympathetic activity in conscious rabbits. Hypertension (2002) 40(5):694-699.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• LIN Y, MATSUMURA K, FUKUHARA M et al.: Ghrelin acts at the nucleus of the solitary tract to decrease arterial pressure in rats. Hypertension (2004) 43(5):977-982.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• VOLANTE M, FULCHERI E, ALLIA E et al.: Ghrelin expression in fetal, infant, and adult human lung. J. Histochem. Cytochem. (2002) 50(8):1013-1021.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• HENRIQUES-COELHO T, CORREIA-PINTO J, RONCON-ALBUQUERQUE R Jr et al.: Endogenous production of ghrelin and beneficial effects of its exogenous administration in monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension. Am. J. Physiol. (2004) 287(6):H2885-H2890.
   Google Scholar
• YAKABI K, RO S, ONOUHI T et al.: Histamine mediates the stimulatory action of ghrelin on acid secretion in rat stomach. Dig. Dis. Sci. (2006) 51(8):1313-1321.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• SIBILIA V, MUCCIOLI G, DEGHENGHI R et al.: Evidence for a role of the GHS-R1a receptors in ghrelin inhibition of gastric acid secretion in the rat. J. Neuroendocrinol. (2006) 18(2):122-128.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• DORNONVILLE DE LA COUR C, LINDSTROM E, NORLEN P, HAKANSON R: Ghrelin stimulates gastric emptying but is without effect on acid secretion and gastric endocrine cells. Regul. Peptides (2004) 120(1-3):23-32.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• TACK J, DEPOORTERE I, BISSCHOPS R et al.: Influence of ghrelin on interdigestive gastrointestinal motility in humans. Gut (2006) 55(3):327-333.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• MASUDA Y, TANAKA T, INOMATA N et al.: Ghrelin stimulates gastric acid secretion and motility in rats. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. (2000) 276(3):905-908.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• XU L, DEPOORTERE I, TOMASETTO C et al.: Evidence for the presence of motilin, ghrelin, and the motilin and ghrelin receptor in neurons of the myenteric plexus. Regul. Peptides (2005) 124(1-3):119-125.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• DEPOORTERE I, DE WINTER B, THIJS T et al.: Comparison of the gastroprokinetic effects of ghrelin, GHRP-6 and motilin in rats in vivo and in vitro. Eur. J. Pharmacol. (2005) 515(1-3):160-168.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• BASSIL AK, DASS NB, SANGER GJ: The prokinetic-like activity of ghrelin in rat isolated stomach is mediated via cholinergic and tachykininergic motor neurones. Eur. J. Pharmacol. (2006) 544(1-3):146-152.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• AROSIO M, RONCHI CL, GEBBIA C et al.: Stimulatory effects of ghrelin on circulating somatostatin and pancreatic polypeptide levels. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metabol. (2003) 88(2):701-704.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• EGIDO EM, RODRIGUEZ-GALLARDO J, SILVESTRE RA, MARCO J: Inhibitory effect of ghrelin on insulin and pancreatic somatostatin secretion. Eur. J. Endocrinol. Eur. Feder. Endocri. Soci. (2002) 146(2):241-244.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• BRZOZOWSKI T, KONTUREK PC, DROZDOWICZ D et al.: Role of central and peripheral ghrelin in the mechanism of gastric mucosal defence. Inflammopharmacology (2005) 13(1-3):45-62.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• SUZUKI H, MASAOKA T, HOSODA H et al.: Plasma ghrelin concentration correlates with the levels of serum pepsinogen I and pepsinogen I/II ratio – a possible novel and non-invasive marker for gastric atrophy. Hepatogastroenterology (2004) 51(59):1249-1254.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• SUZUKI H, MASAOKA T, NOMOTO Y et al.: Increased levels of plasma ghrelin in peptic ulcer disease. Aliment. Pharmacol. Ther. (2006) 24(Suppl. 4):120-126.
   Google Scholar
• NISHIZAWA T, SUZUKI H, NOMOTO Y et al.: Enhanced plasma ghrelin levels in patients with functional dyspepsia. Aliment. Pharmacol. Ther. (2006) 24(Suppl. 4):104-110.
   Google Scholar
• LIU B, LIU X, TANG C: Change of plasma ghrelin level in acute pancreatitis. Pancreatology (2006) 6(6):531-535.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• RUDD JA, NGAN MP, WAI MK et al.: Anti-emetic activity of ghrelin in ferrets exposed to the cytotoxic anti-cancer agent cisplatin. Neurosci. Lett. (2006) 392(1-2):79-83.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• ASAKAWA A, INUI A, KAGA T et al.: A role of ghrelin in neuroendocrine and behavioral responses to stress in mice. Neuroendocrinology (2001) 74(3):143-147.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• TRUDEL L, TOMASETTO C, RIO MC et al.: Ghrelin/motilin-related peptide is a potent prokinetic to reverse gastric postoperative ileus in rat. Am. J. Physiol. Gastrointest. Liver Physiol. (2002) 282(6):G948-952.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• SAVINO F, GRASSINO EC, GUIDI C et al.: Ghrelin and motilin concentration in colicky infants. Acta Paediatr. (2006) 95(6):738-741.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• KEREM M, BEDIRLI A, PASAOGLU H et al.: Role of ghrelin and leptin in predicting the severity of acute pancreatitis. Dig. Dis. Sci. (2007) 52(4):950-955.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• OBAL F Jr, ALT J, TAISHI P, GARDI J, KRUEGER JM: Sleep in mice with nonfunctional growth hormone-releasing hormone receptors. Am. J. Physiol. Regul. Integr. Comp. Physiol. (2003) 284(1):R131-R139.
   Google Scholar
• SCHUSSLER P, UHR M, ISING M et al.: Nocturnal ghrelin, ACTH, GH and cortisol secretion after sleep deprivation in humans. Psychoneuroendocrinology (2006) 31(8):915-923.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• FRIEBOES RM, ANTONIJEVIC IA, HELD K et al.: Hexarelin decreases slow-wave sleep and stimulates the secretion of GH, ACTH, cortisol and prolactin during sleep in healthy volunteers. Psychoneuroendocrinology (2004) 29(7):851-860.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• COPINSCHI G, LEPROULT R, VAN ONDERBERGEN A et al.: Prolonged oral treatment with MK-677, a novel growth hormone secretagogue, improves sleep quality in man. Neuroendocrinology (1997) 66(4):278-286.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• STEIGER A: Ghrelin and sleep-wake regulation. Am. J. Physiol. Regul. Integr. Comp. Physiol. (2007) 292(1):R573-574.
   Google Scholar
• WEIKEL JC, WICHNIAK A, ISING M et al.: Ghrelin promotes slow-wave sleep in humans. Am. J. Physiol. Endocrinol. Metab. (2003) 284(2):E407-E415.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• SZENTIRMAI E, HAJDU I, OBAL F Jr, KRUEGER JM: Ghrelin-induced sleep responses in ad libitum fed and food-restricted rats. Brain Res. (2006) 1088(1):131-140.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• SZENTIRMAI E, KAPAS L, KRUEGER JM: Ghrelin microinjection into forebrain sites induces wakefulness and feeding in rats. Am. J. Physiol. Regul. Integr. Comp. Physiol. (2007) 292(1):R575-R585.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• CARLINI VP, MONZON ME, VARAS MM et al.: Ghrelin increases anxiety-like behavior and memory retention in rats. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. (2002) 299(5):739-743.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• CARLINI VP, VARAS MM, CRAGNOLINI AB et al.: Differential role of the hippocampus, amygdala, and dorsal raphe nucleus in regulating feeding, memory, and anxiety-like behavioral responses to ghrelin. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. (2004) 313(3):635-641.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• DIANO S, FARR SA, BENOIT SC et al.: Ghrelin controls hippocampal spine synapse density and memory performance. Nat. Neurosci. (2006) 9(3):381-388.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• CARLINI VP, GAYDOU RC, SCHIOTH HB, DE BARIOGLIO SR: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (fluoxetine) decreases the effects of ghrelin on memory retention and food intake. Regul. Peptides (2007) 140(1-2):65-73.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• DATE Y, NAKAZATO M, MURAKAMI N et al.: Ghrelin acts in the central nervous system to stimulate gastric acid secretion. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. (2001) 280(3):904-907.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• LAWRENCE CB, SNAPE AC, BAUDOIN FM, LUCKMAN SM: Acute central ghrelin and GH secretagogues induce feeding and activate brain appetite centers. Endocrinology (2002) 143(1):155-162.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• FERNANDEZ-FERNANDEZ R, TENA-SEMPERE M, NAVARRO VM et al.: Effects of ghrelin upon gonadotropin-releasing hormone and gonadotropin secretion in adult female rats: in vivo and in vitro studies. Neuroendocrinology (2006) 82(5-6):245-255.
   Google Scholar
• BARREIRO ML, SUOMINEN JS, GAYTAN F et al.: Developmental, stage-specific, and hormonally regulated expression of growth hormone secretagogue receptor messenger RNA in rat testis. Biol. Reprod. (2003) 68(5):1631-1640.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• GAYTAN F, BARREIRO ML, CAMINOS JE et al.: Expression of ghrelin and its functional receptor, the type 1a growth hormone secretagogue receptor, in normal human testis and testicular tumors. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metabol. (2004) 89(1):400-409.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• BARREIRO ML, GAYTAN F, CAMINOS JE et al.: Cellular location and hormonal regulation of ghrelin expression in rat testis. Biol. Reprod. (2002) 67(6):1768-1776.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• BARREIRO ML, GAYTAN F, CASTELLANO JM et al.: Ghrelin inhibits the proliferative activity of immature Leydig cells in vivo and regulates stem cell factor messenger ribonucleic acid expression in rat testis. Endocrinology (2004) 145(11):4825-4834.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• GARCIA MC, LOPEZ M, ALVAREZ CV et al.: Role of ghrelin in reproduction. Reproduction (2007) 133(3):531-540.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• ARGIOLAS A: Neuropeptides and sexual behaviour. Neurosci. Biobehav. Rev. (1999) 23(8):1127-1142.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• MELIS MR, SUCCU S, SPANO MS et al.: EP 60761 and EP 50885, two hexarelin analogues, induce penile erection in rats. Eur. J. Pharmacol. (2000) 404(1-2):137-143.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• MELIS MR, SUCCU S, SPANO MS et al.: Penile erection induced by EP 80661 and other hexarelin peptide analogues: involvement of paraventricular nitric oxide. Eur. J. Pharmacol. (2001) 411(3):305-310.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• ARGIOLAS A, MELIS MR: Central control of penile erection: role of the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. Prog. Nurobiol. (2005) 76(1):1-21.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• CAMINOS JE, TENA-SEMPERE M, GAYTAN F et al.: Expression of ghrelin in the cyclic and pregnant rat ovary. Endocrinology (2003) 144(4):1594-1602.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• GAYTAN F, MORALES C, BARREIRO ML et al.: Expression of growth hormone secretagogue receptor type 1a, the functional ghrelin receptor, in human ovarian surface epithelium, mullerian duct derivatives, and ovarian tumors. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metabol. (2005) 90(3):1798-1804.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• TANAKA K, MINOURA H, ISOBE T et al.: Ghrelin is involved in the decidualization of human endometrial stromal cells. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metabol. (2003) 88(5):2335-2340.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• HAYASHIDA T, NAKAHARA K, MONDAL MS et al.: Ghrelin in neonatal rats: distribution in stomach and its possible role. J. Endocrinol. (2002) 173(2):239-245.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• NAKAHARA K, NAKAGAWA M, BABA Y et al.: Maternal ghrelin plays an important role in rat fetal development during pregnancy. Endocrinology (2006) 147(3):1333-1342.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• SANTOS M, BASTOS P, GONZAGA S et al.: Ghrelin expression in human and rat fetal lungs and the effect of ghrelin administration in nitrofen-induced congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Pediatr. Res. (2006) 59(4 Part 1):531-537.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• NAKAHARA K, HAYASHIDA T, NAKAZATO M et al.: Effect of chronic treatments with ghrelin on milk secretion in lactating rats. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. (2003) 303(3):751-755.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• KIERSON JA, DIMATTEO DM, LOCKE RG, MACKLEY AB, SPEAR ML: Ghrelin and cholecystokinin in term and preterm human breast milk. Acta Paediatr. (2006) 95(8):991-995.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• KOO GC, HUANG C, CAMACHO R et al.: Immune enhancing effect of a growth hormone secretagogue. J. Immunol. (2001) 166(6):4195-4201.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• TUMER C, BILGIN HM, OBAY BD et al.: Effect of ghrelin administration on phagocytic activity in acute cold-restraint stress exposed rats. Regul. Peptides (2007) 138(2-3):113-117.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• GONZALEZ-REY E, CHORNY A, DELGADO M: Therapeutic action of ghrelin in a mouse model of colitis. Gastroenterology (2006) 130(6):1707-1720.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• LARSSON B, NORLEN P, LINDSTROM E et al.: Effects of ECL cell extracts and granule/vesicle-enriched fractions from rat oxyntic mucosa on cAMP and IP(3) in rat osteoblast-like cells. Regul. Peptides (2002) 106(1-3):13-18.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• COCCHI D, MACCARINELLI G, SIBILIA V et al.: GH-releasing peptides and bone. J. Endocrinol. Invest. (2005) 28(8 Suppl.):11-14.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• MISRA M, MILLER KK, STEWART V et al.: Ghrelin and bone metabolism in adolescent girls with anorexia nervosa and healthy adolescents. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metabol. (2005) 90(9):5082-5087.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• MURPHY MG, WEISS S, MCCLUNG M et al.: Effect of alendronate and MK-677 (a growth hormone secretagogue), individually and in combination, on markers of bone turnover and bone mineral density in postmenopausal osteoporotic women. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metabol. (2001) 86(3):1116-1125.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• PIERNO S, DE LUCA A, DESAPHY JF et al.: Growth hormone secretagogues modulate the electrical and contractile properties of rat skeletal muscle through a ghrelin-specific receptor. Br. J. Pharmacol. (2003) 139(3):575-584.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• OTERO M, NOGUEIRAS R, LAGO F et al.: Ghrelin plasmatic levels in patients with fibromyalgia. Rheumatol. Int. (2005) 25(1):6-8.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar