Ghrelin in the brain: role in gastrointestinal and cardiovascular function

Library Project

The peptide ghrelin was discovered in 1999, when it was shown to act on the growth hormone receptor.    It is also now known to have a very important role in regulating the function of the gastrointestinal system (including control of appetite), as well as the cardiovascular system, via activation of autonomic nerves that innervate gastrointestinal and cardiovascular organs. There are receptors for ghrelin in many discrete parts of the brain, but very little is known as to the precise role of ghrelin in regulating gastrointestinal and cardiovascular function.   In this project, students would research, using the biomedical literature, the latest information concerning the function of ghrelin in the brain.

Supervisor: Prof. Roger Dampney

Address: Discipline of Physiology, Rm N640, Anderson Stuart Bldg

Phone: 9351 4603 (office)

Email: rogerd@physiol.usyd.edu.au