High-dose porcine galanin infusion and effect on intravenous glucose tolerance in humans.
The neuropeptide galanin inhibits glucose-stimulated insulin release in dogs and rodents and has been proposed as having a role in the control of insulin release in humans. The effect of infused galanin on intravenous glucose tolerance in humans was investigated by giving an intravenous glucose tolerance test (0.5 g glucose/kg body wt) alone and with infusions of synthetic porcine galanin at high-dose levels (80 and 160 pmol.kg-1.min-1) to seven healthy male volunteers. The results showed no effect of galanin infusion on plasma glucose or serum insulin, although a rise in serum growth hormone even in the face of the intravenous glucose load confirmed the potent growth hormone-stimulating effect of galanin. These results suggest that caution should be exercised in extrapolating a physiological role for galanin in humans from the results of animal studies.
Gilbey
S G
SG
Department of Medicine, Royal Postgraduate Medical School, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
Stephenson
J
J
O'Halloran
D J
DJ
Burrin
J M
JM
Bloom
S R
SR
D000818:Animals; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D019004:Galanin; D005947:Glucose / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005951:Glucose Tolerance Test; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010455:Peptides / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013552:Swine; D013997:Time Factors
D001786:Blood Glucose; D007328:Insulin; D009479:Neuropeptides; D010455:Peptides; D019004:Galanin; D013006:Growth Hormone; D005947:Glucose