Ghrelin protects cortical neuron against focal ischemia/reperfusion in rats.

Ghrelin is a novel brain-gut peptide and the endogenous ligand of growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a (GHSR-1a). Evidences have been shown that ghrelin inhibited cell apoptosis in cardiocytes, endotheliocytes, osteoblasts, and so on. Recently, it was reported that ghrelin inhibited neuronal apoptosis of hypothalamus and hippocampus.

Ghrelin-containing neuron in cerebral cortex and hypothalamus linked with the DVC of brainstem in rat.

Ghrelin is a newly discovered brain-gut peptide and an endogenous ligand for growth hormone secretagogues receptor (GHS-R). Ghrelin and GHS-R present extensively in central and peripheral tissues such as stomach, brain and other organs of rodent and human, which suggest it has multiple biological effects. It has been reported that ghrelin has significant role in the regulation of energy homeostasis, food intake and appetite.