From an Empty Stomach to Anxiolysis: Molecular and Behavioral Assessment of Sex Differences in the Ghrelin Axis of Rats.

ABSTRACT: Ghrelin, a stomach-produced hormone, is well-recognized for its role in promoting feeding, controlling energy homeostasis, and glucoregulation. Ghrelin's function to ensure survival extends beyond that: its release parallels that of corticosterone, and ghrelin administration and fasting have an anxiolytic and antidepressant effect. This clearly suggests a role in stress and anxiety. However, most studies of ghrelin's effects on anxiety have been conducted exclusively on male rodents. Here, we hypothesize that female rats are wired for higher ghrelin sensitivity compared to males. To test this, we systematically compared components of the ghrelin axis between male and female Sprague Dawley rats. Next, we evaluated whether anxiety-like behavior and feeding response to endogenous or exogenous

SUBMITTER: Borchers S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9243305 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature