Endocrine Abstracts

Ghrelin, a 28 amino acid peptide, was recently isolated from the stomach of rat, and was identified as the endogenous ligand for the growth hormone secretagogue receptor, GHSR. Two GHSR subtypes, generated by an alternative splicing of a single gene, have been identified: the full-length type 1a receptor and truncated type 1b. The GHS-R1a is the functionally active, signal transduction form of the receptor. Ghrelin is recognized as an important regulator of growth hormone secr...