Circulating ghrelin is a multifunctional hormone secreted primarily by the stomach. Originally found as an endogenous ligand for the growth hormone secretagogue receptor, it is also an appetite-stimulating hormone in the regulation of energy homeostasis. It consists of 28 amino acids and the n-octanoylation of serine-3 position is necessary for its bioactivity. The acylated form is extremely unstable in the blood; consequently, the predominant form is des-octanoyl ghrelin. Long considered a key player in obesity, ghrelin may also play a role in maintaining the balance between insulin and glucose and the development of diabetes. The spike in insulin secretion occurring after eating usually correlates with a dip in ghrelin production. Researchers determined that in rat models of uncontrolled diabetes, food intake still suppressed ghrelin concentrations in the blood, but only approximately half as effectively as when insulin was present.
Application: Used to detect/quantify: Ghrelin (Total)
Other Notes: Please contact Technical Service for linearity of dilution.