Invitrogen™ Human A-GHRL ELISA Kit

Acylated ghrelin is a hormone primarily produced by the stomach and released into the bloodstream. It plays a significant role in regulating appetite and energy balance. Functionally, acylated ghrelin acts as an orexigenic hormone, meaning it stimulates appetite and promotes food intake. It interacts with specific receptors in the brain, particularly the growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a (GHSR1a), to increase hunger signals and enhance food-seeking behaviors. Acylated ghrelin also influences energy homeostasis by increasing fat storage and reducing energy expenditure. Structurally, acylated ghrelin is a peptide hormone consisting of 28 amino acids. It undergoes a post-translational modification process called acylation, where a fatty acid (usually octanoic acid) is attached to the third amino acid residue (serine) in the peptide chain. This acylation is crucial for the hormone's biological activity and stability. Localization-wise, acylated ghrelin is primarily produced by the X/A-like cells in the gastric mucosa. After secretion into the bloodstream, it acts on various target tissues, including the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adipose tissue. The hypothalamus is particularly important for regulating appetite and energy balance, as it receives and integrates signals from acylated ghrelin.