GHSR agonism increases blood glucose but delays food intake in GHSR hyperresponsive rats.

ABSTRACT: Severe calorie restriction in mouse models has highlighted the crucial role of the ghrelin system in maintaining glycemia and promoting survival. We hypothesized that if ghrelin acts as a survival signal, enhancing the responsivity of the GH secretagogue receptor (GHSR) should favor GHSR protective responses. To test this, we used rats with genetically enhanced GHSR sensitivity (Ghsr^Q343X) and wild-type littermate controls and examined their acute responses to pharmacological challenges. Consistent with our hypothesis, Ghsr^Q343X rats, despite normal glucose and insulin tolerance, exhibited a significant increase in blood glucose in response to GHSR agonism, accompanied by elevated counter-regulatory hormones including corticosterone. Concurrently, these rats displayed

SUBMITTER: Zizzari P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12905516 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature