Ghrelin increases hippocampal recombination activating gene 1 expression and spatial memory performance in mice.

Ghrelin, which has been shown to improve memory retention, is an endogenous ligand for the growth hormone secretagogue receptor. Recombination activating gene 1 (Rag1), which plays a critical role in the development and maturation of lymphocytes in the immune system, is also expressed in the central nervous system, particularly in the hippocampus, and has been implicated in memory formation. In the current study, the effects of ghrelin on Rag1 expression in the hippocampus and spatial memory performance in wild-type and Rag1 knockout (KO) mice were examined.