Genetic deletion of the ghrelin receptor (GHSR) impairs growth and blunts endocrine response to fasting in Ghsr-IRES-Cre mice

•Mutant Ghsr-IRES-Cre mice exhibit a gene-dosage GHSR depletion in the Arc.•Heterozygous Ghsr-IRES-Cre mice, but not homozygotes, retain ghrelin-responsiveness.•Fasting-induced GH release and glucose homeostasis are similarly impaired in heterozygotes and homozygotes.•Homozygous Ghsr-IRES-Cre mice exhibit growth retardation.•Fasting acyl-ghrelin levels are allele-dependently increased.