Glucagon-like Peptide 1 (GLP-1): An Intestinal Hormone, Signalling Nutritional Abundance, with an Unusual Therapeutic Potential.
The incretin hormone, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) has many actions; namely: (1) it enhances all steps of insulin biosynthesis and potentiates glucose-induced secretion; (2) it seems to have trophic effects on pancreatic cells; (3) it inhibits glucagon secretion; (4) it inhibits hepatic glucose production and lowers blood glucose, but does not produce severe hypoglycaemia; (5) it inhibits postprandial gastrointestinal motility and secretion; and (6) it reduces appetite and food intake. Because of this, current research is focusing upon development of a clinically practicable therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus based on GLP-1.
Holst
JJ
Department of Medical Physiology, The Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark.