Anorexigenic and Neuromodulatory Functions of Guanylins

Guanylin peptides (guanylin and uroguanylin) are hormones, regulators of water-salt homeostasis and feeding behavior, and are endogenous ligands for receptor guanylate cyclase C. Guanylin peptides participate in the regulation of appetite, obesity, energy expenditure, and food preferences acting on the level of the hypothalamus with subsequent involvement of central and peripheral mechanisms. This review presents current data on the role of guanylin peptides and their receptors with an emphasis on the expression features of guanylin axis components in the nervous system and their contribution to the regulation of nervous system functions and behavior.