Search Results
You are looking at 11 - 16 of 16 items for
- Author: M Shimizu x
- Refine by access: All content x
Search for other papers by H Shimizu in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Y Shimomura in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Y Nakanishi in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by T Futawatari in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by K Ohtani in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by N Sato in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by M Mori in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Abstract
The decrease in estrogen in menopausal women increases body fat. The present studies were undertaken to investigate the involvement of estrogen in leptin production in vivo. In the first study, expression of ob gene mRNA in white adipose tissue was measured at 2 and 8 weeks after ovariectomy in rats. In the second, serum leptin concentration was measured in total body fat of 87 weight-matched human subjects (29 men, 29 premenopausal and 29 postmenopausal women). In the third, changes in serum leptin concentration with the menstrual cycle were determined, ob gene expression decreased in subcutaneous and retroperitoneal white adipose tissue of ovariectomized rats 8 weeks after the operation, while ovariectomy increased ob gene expression in mesenteric white adipose tissue. Serum leptin concentration was decreased by ovariectomy. Estradiol supplement reversed the effect of ovariectomy on ob gene expression and circulating leptin levels. In humans, serum leptin concentration was higher in premenopausal women than in men, and in postmenopausal women it was lower than in premenopausal women, but still higher than in men. In 13 premenopausal women, serum leptin levels were significantly higher in the luteal phase than in the follicular phase. The present studies strongly indicate that estrogen regulates leptin production in rats and human subjects in vivo. Regional variation in the regulation of ob gene expression by estrogen was found.
Journal of Endocrinology (1997) 154, 285–292
Search for other papers by N. Takasu in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by M. Murakami in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Y. Nagasawa in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by T. Yamada in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Y. Shimizu in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by I. Kojima in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by E. Ogata in
Google Scholar
PubMed
ABSTRACT
The cytoplasmic concentration of free calcium was measured using aequorin, a calcium-sensitive photoprotein. The Ca2+ ionophore A23187 induced a rise in cytoplasmic free calcium and iodide discharge in cultured porcine thyroid cells. The minimum dose of A23187 effecting an increase in cytoplasmic free calcium induced iodide discharge. The A23187-induced rise in cytoplasmic free calcium was followed by iodide discharge. The results indicate that A23187-induced iodide discharge is mediated by a rise in the cytoplasmic concentration of free calcium.
J. Endocr. (1987) 115, 477–480
Search for other papers by H Kadokawa in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by M Matsui in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by K Hayashi in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by N Matsunaga in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by C Kawashima in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by T Shimizu in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by K Kida in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by A Miyamoto in
Google Scholar
PubMed
This study was conducted to estimate the effects of kisspeptin-10 on blood concentrations of LH and GH in prepubertal dairy heifers. Heifers received a single injection of 1 mg kisspeptin-10 (n=5) or saline (n=5) intravenously, and serial blood samples were collected at 15-min intervals to analyze the response curves of both LH and GH after injection. Peak-shaped responses were observed for concentrations of LH and GH, and the peaks were observed at 27±3 and 75±9 min, respectively, after injection, only in heifers injected with kisspeptin-10. These data suggest various possible important links among kisspeptin, the reproductive axis, and also the somatotropic axis in prepubertal Holstein heifers.
Search for other papers by M Kondo in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by T Udono in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by WZ Jin in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by M Funakoshi in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by K Shimizu in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by M Itoh in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by CB Herath in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by G Watanabe in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by NP Groome in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by K Taya in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Plasma concentrations of inhibin A and inhibin B during pregnancy and early lactation in chimpanzees were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Plasma samples were taken from five pregnant chimpanzees at 6-9, 10, 20 and 25 weeks of pregnancy, and following parturition. Throughout pregnancy and the early postpartum period, circulating inhibin A and inhibin B concentrations remained low, at similar levels to those during the normal menstrual cycle in chimpanzees. Concentrations of inhibin A in the placental homogenate were high enough to be measured by the ELISA and by bioassay, whereas circulating inhibin bioactivities in late pregnancy were too low to be measured. Plasma concentrations of FSH remained low with no significant changes throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period. Plasma concentrations of oestradiol-17beta and progesterone at 25 weeks of pregnancy were much higher than normal menstrual cycle levels. It was concluded that in chimpanzees the levels of circulating inhibin A and inhibin B remained low throughout pregnancy and the early postpartum period, and that the concentrations of bioactive dimeric inhibin did not increase towards the end of pregnancy. The suppression of circulating FSH levels during pregnancy is suggested to be controlled by steroid hormones that increased significantly in late pregnancy, and the present findings further suggest that the secretory pattern and role of inhibin during pregnancy in chimpanzees may be different from that in human and other primates.
School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
Search for other papers by A L Pierce in
Google Scholar
PubMed
School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
Search for other papers by M Shimizu in
Google Scholar
PubMed
School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
Search for other papers by L Felli in
Google Scholar
PubMed
School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
Search for other papers by P Swanson in
Google Scholar
PubMed
School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
Search for other papers by W W Dickhoff in
Google Scholar
PubMed
IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) modulate the effects of the IGFs, major stimulators of vertebrate growth and development. In mammals, IGFBP-1 inhibits the actions of IGF-I. Rapid increases in circulating IGFBP-1 occur during catabolic states. Insulin and glucocorticoids are the primary regulators of circulating IGFBP-1 in mammals. Insulin inhibits and glucocorticoids stimulate hepatocyte IGFBP-1 gene expression and production. A 22 kDa IGFBP in salmon blood also increases during catabolic states and has recently been identified as an IGFBP-1 homolog. We examined the hormonal regulation of salmon IGFBP-1 mRNA levels and protein secretion in primary cultured salmon hepatocytes. The glucocorticoid agonist dexamethasone progressively increased hepatocyte IGFBP-1 mRNA levels (eightfold) and medium IGFBP-1 immunoreactivity over concentrations comparable with stressed circulating cortisol levels (10−9–10−6 M). GH progressively reduced IGFBP-1 mRNA levels (0.3-fold) and medium IGFBP-1 immunoreactivity over physiological concentrations (5 × 10−11–5 × 10−9 M). Unexpectedly, insulin slightly increased hepatocyte IGFBP-1 mRNA (1.4-fold) and did not change medium IGFBP-1 immunoreactivity over physiological concentrations and above (10−9–10−6 M). Triiodothyronine had no effect on hepatocyte IGFBP-1 mRNA, whereas glucagon increased IGFBP-1 mRNA (2.2-fold) at supraphysiological concentrations (10−6 M). This study suggests that the major inhibitory role of insulin in the regulation of liver IGFBP-1 production in mammals is not found in salmon. However, regulation of salmon liver IGFBP-1 production by other metabolic hormones is similar to what is found in mammals.
Post-genome Project, Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Kyoto University Hospital, 54 Shogoin-kawaharacho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Department of Clinical Innovative Medicine, and
Department of Clinical Trial Design and Management, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Translational Research Center, Kyoto University Hospital, and Department of Geriatric Medicine, Kyoto University School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
Kyoto Preventive Medical Centre, Kyoto 604-8491, Japan
Department of Biochemistry, National Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka 565-8565, Japan
Search for other papers by T Akamizu in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Post-genome Project, Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Kyoto University Hospital, 54 Shogoin-kawaharacho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Department of Clinical Innovative Medicine, and
Department of Clinical Trial Design and Management, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Translational Research Center, Kyoto University Hospital, and Department of Geriatric Medicine, Kyoto University School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
Kyoto Preventive Medical Centre, Kyoto 604-8491, Japan
Department of Biochemistry, National Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka 565-8565, Japan
Search for other papers by T Murayama in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Post-genome Project, Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Kyoto University Hospital, 54 Shogoin-kawaharacho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Department of Clinical Innovative Medicine, and
Department of Clinical Trial Design and Management, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Translational Research Center, Kyoto University Hospital, and Department of Geriatric Medicine, Kyoto University School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
Kyoto Preventive Medical Centre, Kyoto 604-8491, Japan
Department of Biochemistry, National Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka 565-8565, Japan
Search for other papers by S Teramukai in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Post-genome Project, Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Kyoto University Hospital, 54 Shogoin-kawaharacho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Department of Clinical Innovative Medicine, and
Department of Clinical Trial Design and Management, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Translational Research Center, Kyoto University Hospital, and Department of Geriatric Medicine, Kyoto University School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
Kyoto Preventive Medical Centre, Kyoto 604-8491, Japan
Department of Biochemistry, National Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka 565-8565, Japan
Search for other papers by K Miura in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Post-genome Project, Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Kyoto University Hospital, 54 Shogoin-kawaharacho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Department of Clinical Innovative Medicine, and
Department of Clinical Trial Design and Management, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Translational Research Center, Kyoto University Hospital, and Department of Geriatric Medicine, Kyoto University School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
Kyoto Preventive Medical Centre, Kyoto 604-8491, Japan
Department of Biochemistry, National Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka 565-8565, Japan
Search for other papers by I Bando in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Post-genome Project, Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Kyoto University Hospital, 54 Shogoin-kawaharacho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Department of Clinical Innovative Medicine, and
Department of Clinical Trial Design and Management, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Translational Research Center, Kyoto University Hospital, and Department of Geriatric Medicine, Kyoto University School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
Kyoto Preventive Medical Centre, Kyoto 604-8491, Japan
Department of Biochemistry, National Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka 565-8565, Japan
Search for other papers by T Irako in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Post-genome Project, Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Kyoto University Hospital, 54 Shogoin-kawaharacho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Department of Clinical Innovative Medicine, and
Department of Clinical Trial Design and Management, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Translational Research Center, Kyoto University Hospital, and Department of Geriatric Medicine, Kyoto University School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
Kyoto Preventive Medical Centre, Kyoto 604-8491, Japan
Department of Biochemistry, National Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka 565-8565, Japan
Search for other papers by H Iwakura in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Post-genome Project, Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Kyoto University Hospital, 54 Shogoin-kawaharacho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Department of Clinical Innovative Medicine, and
Department of Clinical Trial Design and Management, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Translational Research Center, Kyoto University Hospital, and Department of Geriatric Medicine, Kyoto University School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
Kyoto Preventive Medical Centre, Kyoto 604-8491, Japan
Department of Biochemistry, National Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka 565-8565, Japan
Search for other papers by H Ariyasu in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Post-genome Project, Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Kyoto University Hospital, 54 Shogoin-kawaharacho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Department of Clinical Innovative Medicine, and
Department of Clinical Trial Design and Management, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Translational Research Center, Kyoto University Hospital, and Department of Geriatric Medicine, Kyoto University School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
Kyoto Preventive Medical Centre, Kyoto 604-8491, Japan
Department of Biochemistry, National Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka 565-8565, Japan
Search for other papers by H Hosoda in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Post-genome Project, Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Kyoto University Hospital, 54 Shogoin-kawaharacho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Department of Clinical Innovative Medicine, and
Department of Clinical Trial Design and Management, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Translational Research Center, Kyoto University Hospital, and Department of Geriatric Medicine, Kyoto University School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
Kyoto Preventive Medical Centre, Kyoto 604-8491, Japan
Department of Biochemistry, National Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka 565-8565, Japan
Search for other papers by H Tada in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Post-genome Project, Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Kyoto University Hospital, 54 Shogoin-kawaharacho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Department of Clinical Innovative Medicine, and
Department of Clinical Trial Design and Management, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Translational Research Center, Kyoto University Hospital, and Department of Geriatric Medicine, Kyoto University School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
Kyoto Preventive Medical Centre, Kyoto 604-8491, Japan
Department of Biochemistry, National Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka 565-8565, Japan
Search for other papers by A Matsuyama in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Post-genome Project, Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Kyoto University Hospital, 54 Shogoin-kawaharacho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Department of Clinical Innovative Medicine, and
Department of Clinical Trial Design and Management, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Translational Research Center, Kyoto University Hospital, and Department of Geriatric Medicine, Kyoto University School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
Kyoto Preventive Medical Centre, Kyoto 604-8491, Japan
Department of Biochemistry, National Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka 565-8565, Japan
Search for other papers by S Kojima in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Post-genome Project, Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Kyoto University Hospital, 54 Shogoin-kawaharacho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Department of Clinical Innovative Medicine, and
Department of Clinical Trial Design and Management, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Translational Research Center, Kyoto University Hospital, and Department of Geriatric Medicine, Kyoto University School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
Kyoto Preventive Medical Centre, Kyoto 604-8491, Japan
Department of Biochemistry, National Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka 565-8565, Japan
Search for other papers by T Wada in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Post-genome Project, Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Kyoto University Hospital, 54 Shogoin-kawaharacho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Department of Clinical Innovative Medicine, and
Department of Clinical Trial Design and Management, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Translational Research Center, Kyoto University Hospital, and Department of Geriatric Medicine, Kyoto University School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
Kyoto Preventive Medical Centre, Kyoto 604-8491, Japan
Department of Biochemistry, National Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka 565-8565, Japan
Search for other papers by Y Wakatsuki in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Post-genome Project, Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Kyoto University Hospital, 54 Shogoin-kawaharacho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Department of Clinical Innovative Medicine, and
Department of Clinical Trial Design and Management, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Translational Research Center, Kyoto University Hospital, and Department of Geriatric Medicine, Kyoto University School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
Kyoto Preventive Medical Centre, Kyoto 604-8491, Japan
Department of Biochemistry, National Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka 565-8565, Japan
Search for other papers by K Matsubayashi in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Post-genome Project, Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Kyoto University Hospital, 54 Shogoin-kawaharacho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Department of Clinical Innovative Medicine, and
Department of Clinical Trial Design and Management, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Translational Research Center, Kyoto University Hospital, and Department of Geriatric Medicine, Kyoto University School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
Kyoto Preventive Medical Centre, Kyoto 604-8491, Japan
Department of Biochemistry, National Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka 565-8565, Japan
Search for other papers by T Kawakita in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Post-genome Project, Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Kyoto University Hospital, 54 Shogoin-kawaharacho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Department of Clinical Innovative Medicine, and
Department of Clinical Trial Design and Management, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Translational Research Center, Kyoto University Hospital, and Department of Geriatric Medicine, Kyoto University School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
Kyoto Preventive Medical Centre, Kyoto 604-8491, Japan
Department of Biochemistry, National Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka 565-8565, Japan
Search for other papers by A Shimizu in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Post-genome Project, Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Kyoto University Hospital, 54 Shogoin-kawaharacho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Department of Clinical Innovative Medicine, and
Department of Clinical Trial Design and Management, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Translational Research Center, Kyoto University Hospital, and Department of Geriatric Medicine, Kyoto University School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
Kyoto Preventive Medical Centre, Kyoto 604-8491, Japan
Department of Biochemistry, National Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka 565-8565, Japan
Search for other papers by M Fukushima in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Post-genome Project, Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Kyoto University Hospital, 54 Shogoin-kawaharacho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Department of Clinical Innovative Medicine, and
Department of Clinical Trial Design and Management, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Translational Research Center, Kyoto University Hospital, and Department of Geriatric Medicine, Kyoto University School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
Kyoto Preventive Medical Centre, Kyoto 604-8491, Japan
Department of Biochemistry, National Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka 565-8565, Japan
Search for other papers by M Yokode in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Post-genome Project, Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Kyoto University Hospital, 54 Shogoin-kawaharacho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Department of Clinical Innovative Medicine, and
Department of Clinical Trial Design and Management, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Translational Research Center, Kyoto University Hospital, and Department of Geriatric Medicine, Kyoto University School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
Kyoto Preventive Medical Centre, Kyoto 604-8491, Japan
Department of Biochemistry, National Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka 565-8565, Japan
Search for other papers by K Kangawa in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Aging is associated with a decrease in growth hormone (GH) secretion, appetite and energy intake. As ghrelin stimulates both GH secretion and appetite, reductions in ghrelin levels may be involved in the reductions in GH secretion and appetite observed in the elderly. However, only preliminary studies have been performed on the role of ghrelin in elderly subjects. In this study, we sought to clarify the physiologic implications of the age-related alterations in ghrelin secretion by determining plasma ghrelin levels and other clinical parameters in healthy elderly subjects. Subjects were ≥ 65 years old, corresponding to the SENIEUR protocol, had not had a resection of the upper gastrointestinal tract and had not been treated with hormones. One hundred and five volunteers (49 men and 56 women) were admitted to this study (73.4 ± 6.3 years old). Plasma levels of acylated ghrelin in elderly female subjects positively correlated with serum IGF-I levels and bowel movement frequency and negatively with systolic blood pressure. In elderly men, desacyl ghrelin levels correlated only weakly with bowel movement frequency. These findings suggest that the plasma levels of the acylated form of ghrelin may influence the age-related alterations in GH/IGF-I regulation, blood pressure and bowel motility. These observational associations warrant further experimental studies to clarify the physiologic significance of these effects.
