Stress-related alterations of acyl and desacyl ghrelin circulating levels: Mechanisms and functional implications

► The major circulating forms of ghrelin are acyl and desacyl ghrelin. ► Recently, the ghrelin acylating and de-acylating enzymes have been identified. ► The stress-induced alteration of gastrointestinal motility and food intake strongly depends on the stressor. ► The stress-induced alterations of ghrelin signaling are reviewed here. ► A better understanding of these mechanisms could lead to new treatment strategies for e.g. improving food intake and motility under conditions of stress.