Ghrelin: a recently discovered gut-brain peptide (review).

In the 70s, several new, both peptidyl and non-peptidyl, derivatives that stimulate and amplify pulsatile growth hormone (GH) secretion, independently from growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH), were synthesized. The family of these molecules have been named growth hormone secretagogues (GHSs). The subsequent discovery of the natural receptor for GHSs (GHS-R) suggested existence of a new regulatory system, participating in GH secretion control. Three years later a natural ligand for GHS-R was identified and was designated 'ghrelin'. Subsequently, it has been found that ghrelin exerts pleiotropic activity. It influences not only GH release but also food intake, function of gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular system, sleep patterns as well as cancer proliferation. The current knowledge on ghrelin, its structure and function, is reviewed in this article.