Ghrelin and Brain Cells Control Hunger and Eating Habits.

A new study has found that the hormone ghrelin, released when hungry, activates specific neurons in the amygdala, driving food consumption and generating feelings of hunger and satisfaction. The study identified nine different cell clusters in the amygdala that regulate appetite, with ghrelin activating those marked by the presence of protein Htr2a. Understanding these mechanisms could provide insights into pathological eating behaviors and potential therapeutic solutions.