The role of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in Ghrelin secretion and appetite

Abstract

Ghrelin is a stomach derived hormone that stimulates appetite. H2S a gaseous signaling molecule also produced in the stomach has been implicated in the secretion of other metabolic hormones. We hypothesize that H2S can directly suppress ghrelin secretion leading to a reduction in appetite. We tested this by treating ghrelin producing rat primary stomach culture with the H2S donor molecule GYY4137 or H2S synthesis inhibitor PPG. GYY4137 dose-dependently suppressed ghrelin secretion, while increasing cellular levels of phosphorylated AKT/Total AKT. Additionally, fluorescent immunocytochemistry demonstrated of that ghrelin cells co-localize with the H2S producing enzyme, CSE and inhibition with PPG stimulated ghrelin secretion. In mice, a single IP injection with GYY4137 (30mg/kg) prolonged glucose induced suppression of ghrelin compared to saline control. This lower level of ghrelin was accompanied by a reduction in feeding (P<0.05). In conclusion, our data demonstrates that H2S has a suppressive effect on ghrelin secretion and appetite.