Effects of Ghrelin on the Sleep-EEG and Nocturnal Secretion of Hormones

Ghrelin, an acylated peptide consisting of 28 amino acids, is the endogenous ligand of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R). It is synthesized predominantly in the stomach but has been also identified in a variety of other organs. Alike, a wide range of central and peripheral endocrine and non-endocrine actions has been described, e. g. being a releasing factor of growth hormone, prolactin and ACTH, a modulator of cell proliferation and apoptosis, a regulator of sleep-wake regulation, and a orexigenic hormone. Aims of this study are: A) To determine the effect of exogenous ghrelin on sleep-EEG variables and hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis, the gonadotropic axis and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in healthy subjects of both genders (age groups: 20-30, 35-45, 60-70 years). B) To determine the effect of exogenous ghrelin on sleep-EEG variables and hormones of the HPA axis, the gonadotropic axis and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in patients with major depression (age range: 20-65 years).

hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis, the gonadotropic axis and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis

Inclusion Criteria: Healthy females and males Male and female patients with major depression Exclusion Criteria: Life time or family history of psychiatric or neurological disorders Sleep disturbances Shift work Any current disease Any medication Long distance flight within 3 months prior to study entry Smoking Any medication during the week prior to study entry Any current disease other than major depression

Kluge M, Schussler P, Schmidt D, Uhr M, Steiger A. Ghrelin suppresses secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in women. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2012 Mar;97(3):E448-51. doi: 10.1210/jc.2011-2607. Epub 2012 Jan 18.