What is the general action of ghrelin for vertebrates? – Comparisons of ghrelin’s effects across vertebrates

Ten years and more passed since ghrelin was discovered. Various physiological actions of ghrelin have been documented in both mammalian and nonmammalian vertebrates. Do these actions have any commonality? In this review, we focused on several effects of ghrelin, and compared the effect across vertebrates. We would like to discuss possible general function of ghrelin in vertebrates.

► Ghrelin is present in nonmammalian vertebrates, too.
► GH-releasing activity seems to be a common action of ghrelin.
► Sole action of ghrelin may be glucose and lipid homeostasis.