Main description:

The Ghrelin receptor was identified before its natural ligand ghrelin. This receptor is found both centrally and peripherally, and has been shown to affect various processes, such as food intake, gut motility, memory, glucose and lipid metabolism, cardiovascular performances, reproduction, memory, and immunological responses, amongst others. The functions of the ghrelin receptor in the central nervous system are numerous and are still being explored. In this book we specifically focus on the various roles of the ghrelin receptor in the central nervous system. In a first set of chapters, the book will focus on the discovery and the properties of this intriguing constitutively active G-protein coupled receptor, on its multiple intracellular transduction mechanisms and the various subtypes of the currently known ghrelin receptor complexes. Next, the book will elaborate on the mitochondrial mechanisms regulated by the ghrelin receptor, its role in feeding and drug addictive mechanisms, memory, sleep and arousal. The final chapters focus on the potential of this receptor as a target for the treatment of neurological disorders including Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, anxiety and depression.

Contents:

Part 1: The ghrelin receptor isoforms

Chapter 1: Constitutive activity of the ghrelin receptor

Jacek Mokrosinski, Andreas Nygaard Madsen, Birgitte Holst

Chapter 2: Homodimerization and heterodimerization of the ghrelin receptor

Alessandro Laviano, Alessia Mari

Part 2: Mechanisms of ghrelin's action

Chapter 3: The role of the ghrelin receptor in appetite and energy metabolism

Zane Andrews

Chapter 4: The vagus nerve and ghrelin function

Yukari Date

Part 3: Ghrelin receptors in food and drug addictive mechanisms

Chapter 5: Central Ghrelin Receptors and Food Intake

Mario Perello, Jesica Raingo

Chapter 6: Ghrelin receptors a novel target for obesity

Harriet Schellekens, Timothy G. Dinan, John F. Cryan

Chapter 7: Ghrelin receptor antagonism as a potential therapeutic target for alcohol use disorders: a preclinical perspective

Elisabet Jerlhag, Joergen A. Engel

Chapter 8: Clinical Research on the Ghrelin Axis and Alcohol Consumption

Allison A. Feduccia, Lorenzo Leggio

Part 4: Ghrelin plays a role in various physiological and pathophysiological brain functions

Chapter 9: Ghrelin and Sleep Regulation

Eva Szentirmai, Levente Kapas

Chapter 10: Ghrelin and Memory

Nicolas Kunath, Martin Dresler

Chapter 11: Ghrelin receptors and Epilepsy

Jeanelle Portelli, Ann Massie, Jessica Coppens, Ilse Smolders

Chapter 12: Ghrelin plays a role in various physiological and pathophysiological brain functions

Sarah J. Spencer

Chapter 13: Ghrelin and Parkinson's Disease

Marcus M. Unger, Wolfgang H. Oertel