Which Tissues Produce Ghrelin in the Human Body?

Ghrelin is a peptide hormone well-known for its role in stimulating appetite and regulating energy balance. It is often called the “hunger hormone” and triggers food intake by acting on the hypothalamus. Understanding its sources provides insight into how the body controls hunger signals.

Primary Sites of Ghrelin Production

• Stomach:
  The stomach is the major producer of ghrelin, particularly the fundus region. Specialized cells called X/A-like cells in the gastric mucosa secrete the majority of circulating ghrelin, especially in its acylated, active form.

• Pancreas:
  Ghrelin-producing cells have been identified in the pancreas, particularly within the islets. The pancreas contributes a smaller but important amount of ghrelin and is involved in regulating insulin secretion alongside appetite.

• Adrenal:
  Ghrelin expression is present in the adrenal cortex. Though the adrenal gland is not a major source, it does produce some ghrelin contributing to blood levels.

Tissue That Does NOT Produce Ghrelin

• Liver:
  The liver does not normally produce ghrelin. While the liver performs many metabolic and endocrine functions, it is not a source of this hormone involved in stimulating food intake.

Summary Table: Ghrelin Production in Tissues

Conclusion

Among the options, the tissue that normally does not produce ghrelin to stimulate food intake is the liver.

Therefore, the correct answer is:
(4) Liver