Ghrelin - A Novel Appetite-stimulating Hormone Which Also Affects Gastrointestinal Functions / 대한소화기학회지

Ghrelin, a novel gastrointestinal peptide with 28 amino acids, is secreted from the A-like cells of the gastric fundus. This peptide hormone does not only promote the release of growth hormone, but also stimulates food intake, gastric motility and cardiac output. Increased plasma ghrelin level has been reported in patients with upper gastrointestinal (GI) disease or in their disease animal model, suggesting its important role in the pathogenesis of upper GI disease.