'Exemplifying the rapid advance of science, the discovery of GHRELIN a few short years ago has already profoundly influenced our understanding of growth, appetite and nutrition biology as well as clinical insights into obesity, growth and reproductive pathogenesis. Accordingly, the editor, a pioneer in clinical ghrelin investigation, has assembled an expert team of authors who bring cutting edge anExemplifying the rapid advance of science, the discovery of GHRELIN a few short years ago has already profoundly influenced our understanding of growth, appetite and nutrition biology as well as clinical insights into obesity, growth and reproductive pathogenesis. Accordingly, the editor, a pioneer in clinical ghrelin investigation, has assembled an expert team of authors who bring cutting edge and comprehensive basic and clinical knowledge to the reader. This volume will be of interest to endocrinologists, nutritionists, internists, and pediatricians. Clearly, the volume will be of special interest to neurophysiologists, who now find themselves in the midst of a new world of nutritional control! Shlomo Melmed, M.D. Series Editor Endocrine Updatesd comprehensive basic and clinical knowledge to the reader. This volume will be of interest to endocrinologists, nutritionists, internists, and pediatricians. Clearly, the volume will be of special interest to neurophysiologists, who now find themselves in the midst of a new world of nutritional control!' Shlomo Melmed, M.D., Series Editor "Endocrine Updates"

• Historical Milestones.- Discovery of Ghrelin, an Endogenous Ligand for the Growth-Hormone Secret Agogue Receptor.- Known and Unknown Growth Hormone Secretagogue Receptors and their Ligands.- Ghrelin: A New Link Between the Neuroendocrine Control of the GH Axis, Food Intake and Sleep.- Growth Hormone Releasing Activity of Ghrelin.- Non-Growth Hormone Endocrine Actions of Ghrelin.- Ghrelin Food Intake and Energy Balance.- Cardiovascular Activities of Ghrelin and Synthetic GHS.- Ghrelin: Central Actions and Potential Implications in Neurodegenerative Diseases.- Ghrelin and Tumors.- Metabolic Actions of Ghrelin.- Gastro-Entero-Pancreatic Actions of Ghrelin.- A New Interaction to Come: Ghrelin and Steroid Hormones.- Circulating Ghrelin Levels in Pathophysiological Conditions.- Ghrelin Measurement: Present and Perspectives.- Ghrelin: Implications in Pediatric Endocrinology.- Ghrelin and its Analogues: Perspectives for a Story of Reverse Pharmacology.