| First Author | Tschöp M | Year | 2002 |
| Journal | Endocrinology | Volume | 143 |
| Issue | 2 | Pages | 558-68 |
| PubMed ID | 11796511 | Mgi Jnum | J:74978 |
| Mgi Id | MGI:2159513 | Doi | 10.1210/endo.143.2.8633 |
| Citation | Tschop M, et al. (2002) GH-releasing peptide-2 increases fat mass in mice lacking NPY: indication for a crucial mediating role of hypothalamic agouti-related protein. Endocrinology 143(2):558-68 |
| abstractText | Ghrelin, an endogenous GH secretagogue, is capable of stimulating adiposity in rodents. Because such adiposity was thought to be mediated by hypothalamic NPY neurons, we investigated by which mechanism a synthetic ghrelin receptor agonist, GHRP-2, would generate a positive energy balance in NPY-deficient [Npy(-/-) mice] and wild-type controls. A dose-dependent increase in body weight and food intake was observed during daily sc injections with GHRP-2. Pre- and posttreatment analysis of body composition indicated increased fat mass and bone mass but not lean mass. Respiratory quotient was increased in GHRP-2-treated mice, indicating preservation of fat. Hypothalamic mRNA levels of agouti- related protein (AGRP), an orexigenic melanocortin receptor antagonist, increased after GHRP-2 treatment. Competitive blockade of AGRP action by melanocortin-receptor agonist MT-II prevented GHRP-induced weight gain in Npy(-/-) mice. In conclusion, chronic peripheral treatment with a ghrelin receptor agonist induced a positive energy balance leading to fat gain in the absence of NPY. These effects could be mediated in part by AGRP. To date, there are few therapeutics that can produce a positive energy balance. Ghrelin receptor agonists offer a treatment option for syndromes like anorexia nervosa, cancer cachexia, or AIDS wasting. |
