Age-dependent reduction of ghrelin- and motilin-induced contractile activity in the chicken gastrointestinal tract

The chicken is an interesting animal for study of the functional role of ghrelin in the gastrointestinal tract

“…A significant correlation was found between contractile responses and expression of GHS-R1a mRNA in growing chickens [12,13]. The decrease in GHS-R1a mRNA expression is negatively correlated with plasma ghrelin level.…”

“…In vitro study using isolated GI strips is useful to examine the actions of ghrelin on smooth muscle and enteric neurons. [12].…”

“…After anesthesia (fish and birds) or immobilization by spinal destruction (bullfrog and fire belly newt), the stomach and intestine were isolated. The isolated GI strips (3×10 mm) were suspended vertically in an organ bath containing physiological salt solutions [10][11][12][13][14]. Ghrelin and muscle stimulants were applied to the bath, and the induced mechanical changes were analyzed.…”

“…The primer sets and protocol used in the following species (goldfish, bullfrog, Japanese fire belly newt, chicken and Japanese quail) have been published in respective papers [10][11][12][13][14].…”

Evaluation of the Relationship between Adipose Metabolism Patterns and Secretion of Appetite-Related Endocrines on Chicken

“…Ghrelin is a common peptide in the vertebrate, which is synthesized by intestinal mucus and can induce growth hormone release and regulate animal appetite, lipid and glucose metabolism and reproductive function [ 52 , 53 ]. Although the function of ghrelin is similar in avians and mammals, the effect of ghrelin is species-specific.…”