Effects of Ghrelin on the Sleep-EEG and Nocturnal Secretion of Hormones
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2007-10-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
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).