Description
Motilin is an endogenous ghrelin-related peptide hormone that modulates gastrointestinal motility and is released during fasting. Motilin binds the motilin receptor, activating cholinergic signaling that induces contractions in intestinal muscle. In preadipocytes, motilin increases lipogenesis and expression of PPARγ and Cav3, stimulating mitochondrial activity and proliferation; in mature adipocytes, this peptide increases expression of PPARγ, CEBP-β, and DGAT1 and increases uptake of fatty acids and glucose. Additionally, motilin exhibits anxiolytic activity in vivo, potentially through facilitation of GABAergic neurotransmission in the amygdala.