Beta-1 Receptors Link Stress, Ghrelin, and Depressive Behavior

Chronic psychosocial stress is a pervasive issue and a significant contributor to depressive disorders. While complex, hormones like ghrelin (often recognized for appetite regulation) are increasingly implicated in mood. Specifically, acyl-ghrelin, the active form, shows altered levels under stress. However, the precise signaling pathways, particularly the involvement of β1-adrenergic receptors (a type of receptor for adrenaline and noradrenaline), that connect chronic stress exposure to both elevated acyl-ghrelin and depressive-like behaviors remained largely unexplored.