Histomorphometrical evaluation of the gastrointestinal mucosa following chronic administration of Ghrelin in rat

Ghrelin, a peptide hormone, has several functions, of which the best known is its growth hormone (GH)-releasing effect in the pituitary. It also increases appetite and feeding behavior. Recent studies have implicated ghrelin in the regulation of gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and immune function, and suggest a role for ghrelin in bone physiology. In this study, the effect of chronically administered ghrelin on the histomorphometrical properties of stomach and different parts of intestinal mucosa were evaluated in a rat model. Significant differences between control and ghrelin-treated groups were observed in gastrointestinal mucosa, stomach gland length, and duodenal mucosal thickness, villus length and crypt depth (P < 0.05). Chronic administration of ghrelin could therefore exert a gastrointestinal protective effect, as it promotes mucosal growth in the proximal gut and enhances gastric glands in oxyntic mucosa.