In an animal study, central ghrelin signaling activates the mesolimbic reward system for alcohol.
Ghrelin, a gut-derived hormone, is involved in the body's regulation of energy and weight, and has a role in obesity. It is present not only in the hypothalamus, but also in reward centers of the brain, the ventral tegmental area (VTA), and the laterodorsal tegmental area (LDTg). It activates the cholinergic–dopaminergic reward link, a mesolimbic reward circuit. Ghrelin has been associated with alcohol craving and heavy alcohol use. Using mice, these investigators examined the effect of ghrelin signaling on alcohol consumption and reward.
When ghrelin was administered into the VTA, LDTg, or ventricles of alcohol-habituated mice, the mice increased their consumption of alcohol (but not water). Antagonists of the ghrelin receptor suppressed al…
Reviewing Author
DisclosuresRoyaltiesTextbook of Traumatic Brain Injury, 2nd and 3rd editions
Editorial BoardsUpToDate; Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesNorth American Brain Injury Association (Board Member); National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (Chair of Data Monitoring Safety Board for study of donepezil on cognition after traumatic brain injury)
DisclosuresRoyaltiesTextbook of Traumatic Brain Injury, 2nd and 3rd editions
Editorial BoardsUpToDate; Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesNorth American Brain Injury Association (Board Member); National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (Chair of Data Monitoring Safety Board for study of donepezil on cognition after traumatic brain injury)