Ghrelin, a peptide puried from rat and human stomachs, is an endogenous ligand for the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR). Ghrelin, after binding with GHSR in the hypothalamus and pituitary, not only promotes the GH releasing and increases appetite, but also adjusts the functions of digestive system and energy metabolism. This article mainly reviewed the recent developments on structure, distribution and biological functions of ghrelin as well as its potential applications on animal husbandry, which may lay the foundation for research and development of related additives.［Chinese Journal of Animal Nutrition, 2011, 23（7）：1085 -1088］
LAI Jinghui, FAN Hongjie
. Ghrelin: Effect on Growth Promotion and Application Prospects[J]. Chinese Journal of Animal Nutrition, 2011
, 23(07)
: 1085
-1088
.
DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-267x.2011.07.003
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