Cardiac, skeletal, and smooth muscle regulation by ghrelin

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2008

Authors

Leite-Moreira, AF (Author) FMUP; Henriques-Coelho, T (Author) FMUP; Rocha-Sousa, A (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: Vitamins and Hormones

Pages: 207-238

ISSN: 0083-6729

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Science

Pubmed / Medline

Scientific classification

FOS: Medical and Health sciences

Other information

Abstract (EN): Ghrelin, mainly secreted from gastric mucosa, is the endogenous ligand for the growth hormone secretagogue receptor and induces a potent release of growth hormone. Ghrelin is widely expressed in different tissues and therefore has both endocrine and paracrine/autocrine effects. In this chapter, we summarize: (1) structure and distribution of ghrelin and its receptors; (2) myocardial effects of ghrelin, describing its acute and chronic actions on cardiac function; (3) ghrelin effects on smooth muscle, namely vascular smooth muscle, intraocular and gastrointestinal smooth muscle; and (4) skeletal actions of ghrelin. Ghrelin has a potent vasodilator effect, thereby reducing cardiac afterload and increasing cardiac output. In models of heart failure and myocardial ischemia, ghrelin administration has beneficial effects. At smooth muscle, ghrelin modulates vascular tone, increases gut transit, and relaxes iris muscles. In the skeletal muscle, ghrelin regulates resting membrane potential. In conclusion, there are increasing evidences that ghrelin is a peptide with paracrine actions that can modulate cardiac, smooth, and skeletal muscle functions.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific