Effect of Ghrelin on Sympathetic Nervous System

Ghrelin is a newly discovered peptide that is secreted by the stomach. Its main role is to stimulate food intake but recent studies indicate that it also acts on the cardiovascular system to confer beneficial effects. The mechanism of action is unclear but experimental studies suggest that ghrelin decreases the sympathetic nervous system. Beside there is new evidence in animal models that ghrelin may also be involved in stress reaction as ghrelin injection seems to protect against symptoms of stress. Given that circulating levels of ghrelin are reduced in obesity, this suggests that the effect of ghrelin may differ between lean and obese subjects. Ghrelin could represent an attractive therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The aim of the study if to gain more knowledge of the effect of ghrelin on the sympathetic nervous system and stress reactivity in both lean and obese subjects.