Vagal afferents are involved in the responses of the CNS to certain gastrointestinal hormones. Which of the following gut hormones exerts some of its orexigenic responses via these vagal pathways?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ghrelin is known as the "hunger hormone" and stimulates appetite. It exerts some of its orexigenic (appetite-stimulating) effects via vagal afferent pathways, signaling the central nervous system to increase food intake.  Ghrelin is produced and secreted by the X/A-like enteroendocrine cells of the stomach oxyntic (acid-secreting) glands. The major effect of ghrelin is exerted within the central nervous system at the level of the arcuate nucleus where it stimulates the release of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and agouti-related protein (AgRP). The actions of NPY and AgRP enhance appetite and thus, food intake.

Vagal Afferents Are Involved in the Responses of the CNS