Ghrelin

acts as a competitive antagonist at the MC4R in the paraventricular nucleus,

preventing -MSH from binding and thereby inducing a rapid "stop-eat"

signal.

Ghrelin

directly activates the GHSR on AgRP/NPY neurons to provide an orexigenic drive

while simultaneously utilising GABAergic projections to inhibit the

anorexigenic activity of POMC neurons.

Ghrelin

binds to the GHSR (Growth hormone secretagogue receptor) on POMC neurons to

stimulate the release of -endorphin, which serves as a "brake" on

energy expenditure.

Ghrelin

bypasses the arcuate nucleus via fenestrated capillaries to act exclusively on

the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH), where it inhibits the "satiety

centre" to prevent the feeling of fullness.