Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology
Endocrine Abstracts (2008) 16 P535

ECE2008 Poster Presentations Obesity (94 abstracts)

Postnatal determination of ghrelin secretion levels and sexual dimorfism in the rat

Omar Al-Massadi 1 , Carmen Ruth González 3 , María Pardo 2 , Carlos Diéguez 3 , Felipe Casanueva 1 & Luisa María Seoane 4


1Endocrinología Molecular, Área de Investigación, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago (CHUS) and Departamento de Medicina, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela and Ciber Fisiopatología de, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; 2Departamento de Medicina, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela and Ciber Fisiopatología de Obesidad y Nutrición (CB 06/03). ISCIII, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; 3Departamento de Fisiología, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela and Ciber Fisiopatología de Obesidad y Nutrición (CB 06/03). ISCIII, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; 4Endocrinología Molecular, Área de Investigación, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago (CHUS) and Ciber Fisiopatología de Obesidad y Nutrición (CB 06/03). ISCIII, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.


Ghrelin is a pleiotropic hormone characterized mainly by its strong orexigenic action and its role as GH secretagogue.

Age-related level variation of this hormone has been previously shown in different studies centred in mARN expression and in its plasma levels; however there is no data about its secretion directly from the stomach although this is the main ghrelin producing organ.

Objectives: To determine the levels of ghrelin in the postnatal development and its possible sexual dimorfism.

Methods: Real Time PCR, RIA, Organ culture, Surgery.

Experimental groups: Male and female rats from 1 to 24 weeks.

Rats subjected to ovariectomy and orquidectomy.

Results: Our results showed a diminution of ghrelin plasma levels in the second week; levels were normalized in the following weeks. In relation to ghrelin secretion from the stomach, we found a great decrease of secretion in the fourth week and a peak in the sixth week of development.

Gastric ghrelin mARN levels increased along time in a non significant manner. Gonadectomy did not change plasma ghrelin levels although it did affect gastric ghrelin levels.

Conclusions: The weaning and the puberty in the rats regulate gastric ghrelin secretion during postnatal development. Sexual hormones can influence the secretion of ghrelin.

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