Intravenous Infusion Of Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Research Articles

Glucagon-like peptide-1 and beta cell glucose sensitivity - a glucose ramp study in mice

The incretin glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a gut hormone but also locally produced in pancreatic islets. We evaluated effects of GLP-1 on the insulin response to a gradual increase in glucose in mice within physiological levels. We initially developed a glucose ramp technique in mice. Glucose levels were slowly increased by 0.2 mmol/l/min for 40 min under control conditions, during intravenous infusion of GLP-1 and in GLP-1 receptor knockout mice. In control mice, glucose levels increased from 8.5 ± 0.3 to 16.1 ± 0.3 mmol/l over the 40 min, i.e., by 0.22 ± 0.01 mmol/l/min. This resulted in a slow increase in insulin levels by 96 ± 38 pmol/l from the baseline of 319 ± 53 pmol/l. GLP-1 at 0.5 nmol/kg as bolus plus 0.3 nmol/kg/min over 40 min progressively increased this insulin response by 100-fold, to 9.5 ± 0.2 nmol/l (P < 0.001). Higher doses of GLP-1 enhanced the insulin response similarly (1.0 or 3.0 nmol/kg bolus followed by 0.4 or 1.2 nmol/kg/min), whereas a lower dose (0.3 nmol/kg bolus plus 0.15 nmol/kg/min) had no significant effect compared to controls. Moreover, there was no significant difference in insulin responses between controls and GLP-1 receptor knockout mice. Since the increase in glucose levels were standardized, there was no significant difference in glucose levels between the experimental groups. We conclude that the glucose ramp technique is a tool for studies on insulin responses to slow changes in circulating glucose levels in mice. We also conclude that GLP-1 is extraordinarily potent in enhancing the insulin response to a slow increase in glucose levels.

Does glucagon-like peptide-1 induce diuresis and natriuresis by modulating afferent renal nerve activity?

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), an incretin hormone, has diuretic and natriuretic effects. The present study was designed to explore the possible underlying mechanisms for the diuretic and natriuretic effects of GLP-1 via renal nerves in rats. Immunohistochemistry revealed that GLP-1 receptors were avidly expressed in the pelvic wall, the wall being adjacent to afferent renal nerves immunoreactive to calcitonin gene-related peptide, which is the dominant neurotransmitter for renal afferents. GLP-1 (3 μM) infused into the left renal pelvis increased ipsilateral afferent renal nerve activity (110.0 ± 15.6% of basal value). Intravenous infusion of GLP-1 (1 µg·kg-1·min-1) for 30 min increased renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA). After the distal end of the renal nerve was cut to eliminate the afferent signal, the increase in efferent renal nerve activity during intravenous infusion of GLP-1 was diminished compared with the increase in total RSNA (17.0 ± 9.0% vs. 68.1 ± 20.0% of the basal value). Diuretic and natriuretic responses to intravenous infusion of GLP-1 were enhanced by total renal denervation (T-RDN) with acute surgical cutting of the renal nerves. Selective afferent renal nerve denervation (A-RDN) was performed by bilateral perivascular application of capsaicin on the renal nerves. Similar to T-RDN, A-RDN enhanced diuretic and natriuretic responses to GLP-1. Urine flow and Na+ excretion responses to GLP-1 were not significantly different between T-RDN and A-RDN groups. These results indicate that the diuretic and natriuretic effects of GLP-1 are partly governed via activation of afferent renal nerves by GLP-1 acting on sensory nerve fibers within the pelvis of the kidney.

Abstract 084: Selective Renal Afferent Denervation Enhances Diuretic and Natriuretic Response to Glucagon-like Peptide-1 in Rats With Heart Failure

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), incretin hormone, has diuretic and natriuretic effects and its receptor agonist reduces cardiovascular events. The present study was designed to determine whether GLP-1-induced diuresis is regulated by renal nerve in the rats with a coronary ligation model of heart failure (HF). Our immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting studies demonstrate that GLP-1 receptors were expressed in the renal pelvic wall, densely innervated by afferent renal nerves (ARN). Basal ARN activity (ARNA) was increased in HF compared to normal rats (1.3 ± 0.2* vs. 0.6 ± 0.1 μV·s). GLP-1 (3μM) infused into left renal pelvis increased ipsilateral ARNA in both normal and HF rats. The change in basal ARNA and the maximum ARNA represented as percent activation by injection of capsaicin (transient receptor potential V1 receptor agonist, 100μM) were higher in HF than in normal rats (ΔARNA 227 ± 27%* vs. 131 ± 26%, and ARNAmax 64.2 ± 3.4%* vs. 45.1 ± 6.6%). Intravenous infusion of GLP-1 (1μg/kg/min) for 30 min increased renal urine flow and sodium excretion in normal rats and these effects were blunted in HF (Urine flow 1577 ± 122* vs. 1981 ± 101 μl/gkw, Sodium excretion 221 ± 19* vs. 284 ± 15 μEq/gkw). GLP-1-induced diuresis and natriuresis were enhanced by total renal denervation (T-RDN) with acute surgical cutting of the renal nerves in both normal and HF rats. The degree of diuretic and natriuretic responses to GLP-1 were greater in HF than in normal rats (increased % rate: Urine flow 167%* vs. 135%, Sodium excretion 169%* vs. 150%). Selective afferent renal denervation (A-RDN) was performed by bilateral perivascular application of capsaicin (33mM) on the renal nerves. Ten days after A-RDN, there was an enhanced diuretic and natriuretic response to GLP-1 in both normal and HF rats. These effects were greater in HF than in normal rats (increased % rate: Urine flow 187%* vs. 130%, Sodium excretion 147%* vs. 138%). Urine flow and sodium excretion responses to GLP-1 were not significantly different between T-RDN and A-RDN in both groups. Taken together our results indicate that the diuretic and natriuretic effects of GLP-1 are partly governed via ARN activation. GLP-1-induced diuresis and natriuresis enhanced by RDN have potential therapeutic implication for HF.

Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Increases Skeletal and Cardiac Muscle, Microvascular Perfusion, and Improves Metabolic Insulin Action in Obese Humans

Obesity is associated with metabolic and microvascular insulin resistance. The latter is characterized by impaired insulin-mediated microvascular recruitment. GLP-1 engenders vasodilation in addition to its glycemic actions. At physiological concentrations, GLP-1 acutely recruits skeletal and cardiac muscle microvasculature in healthy humans and this action is preserved in the insulin resistant rodents. To examine whether GLP-1 recruits microvasculature and improves insulin’s action in obese humans, 15 obese adults (age 27 ± 2.2, BMI 33.7 ± 1.2) were studied thrice at random order after an overnight fast. Subjects received an intravenous infusion of GLP-1 (1.2 pmol/kg/min) for 150 mins or an intravenous infusion of either normal saline or GLP-1 (1.2 pmol/kg/min) for 150 mins with a euglycemic insulin clamp (1 mU/kg/min) superimposed over the last 120 mins. Skeletal and cardiac muscle microvascular blood volume (MBV), flow velocity (MFV) and blood flow (MBF) were determined at 0, 30 and 150 min. Steady-state glucose infusion rate (GIR) was calculated. Insulin infusion alone did not change MBV or MBF in either skeletal or cardiac muscle, confirming the presence of microvascular insulin resistance. GLP-1 infusion alone increased MBV by ∼30% and ∼40% in skeletal and cardiac muscle respectively (p&amp;lt;0.05) without affecting MFV, leading to a significant increase in MBF in both skeletal and cardiac muscle. Superimposition of insulin infusion to GLP-1 infusion did not further increase MBV or MBF in either skeletal or cardiac muscle, but raised the steady-state GIR from 4.1± 0.4 to 5.0 ± 0.5 mg/kg/min (p&amp;lt;0.05). We conclude that in obese humans with microvascular insulin resistance GLP-1's vasodilatory actions are preserved in both skeletal and cardiac muscle microvasculature. This may contribute to improving metabolic responses to insulin and decreasing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality associated with obesity and diabetes. Disclosure N. Wang: None. A. Tan: None. L. Jahn: None. L. Hartline: None. K.W. Aylor: None. E. Barrett: None. Z. Liu: None.

Serum lipase activity and concentration during intravenous infusions of GLP-1 and PYY3-36 and after adlibitum meal ingestion in overweight men.

To examine the effect on serum lipase activity and protein concentration of intravenous infusions of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) and peptide YY (PYY 3‐36) and of an ad libitum meal in healthy overweight men. Twenty‐five healthy, male subjects participated in this randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled 4‐arm crossover study (Body Mass Index (BMI): 29 ± 3 kg/m2, age: 33 ± 9 years). On separate days, the subjects received a 150‐min intravenous infusion of either (1) 0.8 pmol/kg/min PYY 3‐36, (2) 1.0 pmol/kg/min GLP‐1, (3) 1 + 2, or (4) placebo. Samples were collected throughout the infusion and after intake of an ad libitum meal for measurement of serum lipase. Serum lipase levels measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) following mono‐infusions of GLP‐1 and PYY 3‐36 were comparable to serum lipase levels following placebo (P = 0.054 and P = 0.873, respectively). Following the co‐infusion of GLP‐1 and PYY 3‐36, serum lipase levels measured by ELISA decreased over time compared to placebo (P = 0.012). However, the between‐group difference was not consistent when each time point was analyzed separately. On the placebo day, serum lipase levels measured by ELISA after an ad libitum meal rose slightly compared to the preprandial values (P = 0.003). There was strong correlation between serum lipase levels measured by ELISA and LIPC Lipase colorimetric assay (COBAS) (0.94 < r; <0.0001). Infusions of GLP‐1 and PYY 3‐36, separately or in combination, did not increase serum lipase. However, a small increase in serum lipase may occur in response to a meal.

GLP-1 Restores Altered Insulin and Glucagon Secretion in Posttransplantation Diabetes.

Development of posttransplantation diabetes (PTDM) is characterized by reduced insulin secretion and sensitivity. We aimed to investigate whether hyperglucagonemia could play a role in PTDM and to examine the insulinotropic and glucagonostatic effects of the incretin hormone glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) during fasting and hyperglycemic conditions, respectively. Renal transplant recipients with (n = 12) and without (n = 12) PTDM underwent two separate experimental days with 3-h intravenous infusions of GLP-1 (0.8 pmol/kg/min) and saline, respectively. After 1 h of infusion, a 2-h hyperglycemic clamp (fasting plasma glucose + 5 mmol/L) was established. Five grams of arginine was given as an intravenous bolus 10 min before termination of the clamp. Fasting concentrations of glucagon (P = 0.92) and insulin (P = 0.23) were similar between the groups. In PTDM patients, glucose-induced glucagon suppression was significantly less pronounced (maximal suppression from baseline: 43 ± 12 vs. 65 ± 12%, P < 0.001), while first- and second-phase insulin secretion were significantly lower. The PTDM group also exhibited a significantly lower insulin response to arginine (P = 0.01) but similar glucagon and proinsulin responses compared with control subjects. In the preclamp phase, GLP-1 lowered fasting plasma glucose to the same extent in both groups but reduced glucagon only in PTDM patients. During hyperglycemic clamp, GLP-1 reduced glucagon concentrations and increased first- and second-phase insulin secretion in both groups. PTDM is characterized by reduced glucose-induced insulin secretion and attenuated glucagon suppression during a hyperglycemic clamp. Similar to the case in type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 infusion seems to improve (insulin) or even normalize (glucagon) these pathophysiological defects.

GIP Does Not Potentiate the Antidiabetic Effects of GLP-1 in Hyperglycemic Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

OBJECTIVEThe incretin glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) exerts insulinotropic activity in type 2 diabetic patients, whereas glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) no longer does. We studied whether GIP can alter the insulinotropic or glucagonostatic activity of GLP-1 in type 2 diabetic patients.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSTwelve patients with type 2 diabetes (nine men and three women; 61 ± 10 years; BMI 30.0 ± 3.7 kg/m2; HbA1c 7.3 ± 1.5%) were studied. In randomized order, intravenous infusions of GLP-1(7-36)-amide (1.2 pmol · kg−1 · min−1), GIP (4 pmol · kg−1 · min−1), GLP-1 plus GIP, and placebo were administered over 360 min after an overnight fast (≥1 day wash-out period between experiments). Capillary blood glucose, plasma insulin, C-peptide, glucagon, GIP, GLP-1, and free fatty acids (FFA) were determined.RESULTSExogenous GLP-1 alone reduced glycemia from 10.3 to 5.1 ± 0.2 mmol/L. Insulin secretion was stimulated (insulin, C-peptide, P < 0.0001), and glucagon was suppressed (P = 0.009). With GIP alone, glucose was lowered slightly (P = 0.0021); insulin and C-peptide were stimulated to a lesser degree than with GLP-1 (P < 0.001). Adding GIP to GLP-1 did not further enhance the insulinotropic activity of GLP-1 (insulin, P = 0.90; C-peptide, P = 0.85). Rather, the suppression of glucagon elicited by GLP-1 was antagonized by the addition of GIP (P = 0.008). FFA were suppressed by GLP-1 (P < 0.0001) and hardly affected by GIP (P = 0.07).CONCLUSIONSGIP is unable to further amplify the insulinotropic and glucose-lowering effects of GLP-1 in type 2 diabetes. Rather, the suppression of glucagon by GLP-1 is antagonized by GIP.

A model of GLP-1 action on insulin secretion in nondiabetic subjects

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)-based therapies for diabetes have aroused interest because of their effects on insulin secretion and glycemic control. However, a mechanistic model enabling quantitation of pancreatic response to GLP-1 has never been developed. To develop such a model we studied 88 healthy individuals (age 26.3 +/- 0.6 yr, BMI 24.9 +/- 0.4 kg/m(2)) by use of a hyperglycemic clamp. A variable infusion maintained glucose concentrations at 150 mg/dl for 240 min. At 120 min, an intravenous infusion of GLP-1 was started (0.75 pmol kg(-1) min(-1) from 120-180 min, 1.5 pmol kg(-1) min(-1) from 181-240 min). Consequently, plasma C-peptide concentration rose from 1,852.0 +/- 62.8 pmol/l at 120 min to 4,272.2 +/- 176.4 pmol/l at 180 min and to 6,995.8 +/- 323.5 pmol/l at 240 min. Four models of GLP-1 action on insulin secretion were considered. All models share the common assumption that insulin secretion is made up of two components, one proportional to glucose rate of change through dynamic responsivity, Phi(d), and one proportional to glucose through static responsivity, Phi(s), but differing by modality of GLP-1 control. The model that best fit C-peptide data assumes that above-basal insulin secretion depends linearly on GLP-1 concentration and its rate of change. An index (Pi) measuring the percentage increase of secretion due to GLP-1 is derived. Before GLP-1 infusion, Phi(d) = 245.7 +/- 15.6 10(-9) and Phi(s) = 25.2 +/- 1.4 10(-9) min(-1). Under GLP-1 stimulus, Pi = 12.6 +/- 0.71% per pmol/l, meaning that an increase of 5 pmol/l in peripheral GLP-1 concentrations induces an approximately 60% increase in over-basal insulin secretion.

GLP-1–Based Therapy for Diabetes: What You Do Not Know Can Hurt You

According to the Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs , the oldest written version of the saying “What you don't know can't hurt you” comes from Petit Palace , written in 1576 by G. Pettie: “So long as I know it not, it hurteth mee not.” In this issue of Diabetes Care , Drucker et al. (1) conclude that the safety profile of the newly available glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) class of drugs is favorable in comparison to their benefits as therapy, and the class of drugs might be considered as next in line after metformin for treatment for type 2 diabetes. The purpose of this counterpoint is to suggest such a conclusion is premature. History has taught us that enthusiasm for new classes of drugs, heavily promoted by the pharmaceutical companies that market them, can obscure the caution that should be exercised when the long-term consequences are unknown. Of perhaps greatest concern in the case of the GLP-1–based drugs, including GLP-1 agonists and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, is preliminary evidence to suggest the potential risks of asymptomatic chronic pancreatitis and, with time, pancreatic cancer. The GLP-1–related drugs arrived in clinical practice with much fanfare and anticipation. As summarized in the article by Drucker et al., it is a class of drugs that has potential benefits in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The concept of gut-related factors that enhance glucose-mediated insulin secretion, the incretin effect, has been recognized for many years (2). Once it was demonstrated that an intravenous infusion of GLP-1 could decrease blood glucose concentrations in patients with type 2 diabetes, the race was on to exploit the properties of this action. Many millions of dollars have been invested by the pharmaceutical industry in developing products, the first of which are now in clinical practice. Many millions of dollars …

The effect of exogenous glucagon-like peptide-1 on the glycaemic response to small intestinal nutrient in the critically ill: a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled cross over study

IntroductionHyperglycaemia occurs frequently in the critically ill, affects outcome adversely, and is exacerbated by enteral feeding. Furthermore, treatment with insulin in this group is frequently complicated by hypoglycaemia. In healthy patients and those with type 2 diabetes, exogenous glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) decreases blood glucose by suppressing glucagon, stimulating insulin and slowing gastric emptying. Because the former effects are glucose-dependent, the use of GLP-1 is not associated with hypoglycaemia. The objective of this study was to establish if exogenous GLP-1 attenuates the glycaemic response to enteral nutrition in patients with critical illness induced hyperglycaemia.MethodsSeven mechanically ventilated critically ill patients, not previously known to have diabetes, received two intravenous infusions of GLP-1 (1.2 pmol/kg/min) and placebo (4% albumin) over 270 minutes. Infusions were administered on consecutive days in a randomised, double-blind fashion. On both days a mixed nutrient liquid was infused, via a post-pyloric feeding catheter, at a rate of 1.5 kcal/min between 30 and 270 minutes. Blood glucose and plasma GLP-1, insulin and glucagon concentrations were measured.ResultsIn all patients, exogenous GLP-1 infusion reduced the overall glycaemic response during enteral nutrient stimulation (AUC30–270 min GLP-1 (2077 ± 144 mmol/l min) vs placebo (2568 ± 208 mmol/l min); P = 0.02) and the peak blood glucose (GLP-1 (10.1 ± 0.7 mmol/l) vs placebo (12.7 ± 1.0 mmol/l); P < 0.01). The insulin/glucose ratio at 270 minutes was increased with GLP-1 infusion (GLP-1 (9.1 ± 2.7) vs. placebo (5.8 ± 1.8); P = 0.02) but there was no difference in absolute insulin concentrations. There was a transient, non-sustained, reduction in plasma glucagon concentrations during GLP-1 infusion (t = 30 minutes GLP-1 (90 ± 12 pmol/ml) vs. placebo (104 ± 10 pmol/ml); P < 0.01).ConclusionsAcute, exogenous GLP-1 infusion markedly attenuates the glycaemic response to enteral nutrition in the critically ill. These observations suggest that GLP-1 and/or its analogues have the potential to manage hyperglycaemia in the critically ill.Trial RegistrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry number: ACTRN12609000093280.

Beneficial effects of GLP-1 on endothelial function in humans: dampening by glyburide but not by glimepiride

Sulfonylureas (SU) with glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)-based therapy are an emerging therapeutic combination for type 2 diabetes. Prior human studies have hinted at endothelial effects of GLP-1 and SU. To study the endothelial effects of GLP-1 per se and to evaluate the modulatory effects, if any, of SU agents on GLP-1-induced changes in endothelial function, healthy, nondiabetic, normotensive, nonsmokers, age 18-50 yr with no family history of diabetes, were studied. Subjects were randomized to either placebo (n = 10), 10 mg of glyburide (n = 11), or 4 mg of glimepiride (n = 8) orally. Euglycemic somatostatin pancreatic clamp with replacement basal insulin, glucagon, and growth hormone was performed for 240 min. Forearm blood flow (FBF) was measured by venous occlusion plethysmography with graded brachial artery infusions of acetylcholine (Ach) and nitroprusside (NTP) before and after intravenous infusion of GLP-1. GLP-1 (preinfusion 3.4 +/- 0.2, postinfusion 25.5 +/- 2.8 pM) enhanced (P < 0.03) Ach-mediated vasodilatation (Delta+6.5 +/- 1.1 vs. Delta+9.1 +/- 1.2 ml.100 ml(-1).min(-1), change from baseline FBF) in those on placebo. However, in contrast, glyburide abolished GLP-1-induced Ach-mediated vasodilatation (Delta+11.7 +/- 2.0 vs. Delta+11.7 +/- 2.5 ml.100 ml(-1).min(-1)). On the other hand, glimepiride did not alter the ability of GLP-1 to enhance Ach-mediated vasodilatation (Delta+7.9 +/- 0.5 vs. Delta+10.2 +/- 1.3 ml.100 ml(-1).min(-1), P < 0.04). Neither GLP-1 nor SU altered NTP-induced vasodilatation. These data demonstrate that GLP-1 per se has direct beneficial effects on endothelium-dependent vasodilatation in humans that are differentially modulated by SU.

Brief, meal-contingent intravenous infusion of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) decreases spontaneous meal size in rats.

Continuous systemic intravenous infusion of GLP-1 decreases food intake in rats and humans. We further characterized the effects of GLP-1 on feeding in rats by testing (1) the effects of brief, prandial GLP-1 infusions, designed to mimic meal-related GLP-1 secretion, on spontaneous feeding parameters, and (2) hepatic portal vein (HPV) vs. inferior vena cava (VC) infusions. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were equipped with HPV catheters or both HPV and VC catheters. Infusions (5 min, 0.2 ml/min) began 2 min into the first nocturnal spontaneous meal. First, we tested HPV infusions of 0.33, 1 and 3 nmol/kg GLP-1 in consecutive crossover tests vs. vehicle (V). The two larger doses both significantly decreased meal size, but there was no difference in their effects (mean V, 2.1 ± 0.2 g; GLP-1, 2.0 ± 0.3, 1.3 ± 0.1 and 1.2 ± 0.1 g, respectively). GLP-1 did not affect the following intermeal intervals or meal sizes. Next, we compared the effects of HPV and VC infusions of 1 nmol/kg GLP-1 were compared in a separate group of rats. HPV and VC GLP-1 decreased meal size similarly: (HPV: V and GLP-1, 2.7 ± 0.4 and 1.6 ± 0.2 g; VC: V and GLP-1, 2.3 ± 0.3 and 1.1 ± 0.1 g, both P

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) suppresses ghrelin levels in humans via increased insulin secretion

Introduction Ghrelin is an orexigenic peptide predominantly secreted by the stomach. Ghrelin plasma levels rise before meal ingestion and sharply decline afterwards, but the mechanisms controlling ghrelin secretion are largely unknown. Since meal ingestion also elicits the secretion of the incretin hormone glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), we examined whether exogenous GLP-1 administration reduces ghrelin secretion in humans. Patients and methods 14 healthy male volunteers were given intravenous infusions of GLP-1(1.2 pmol·kg − 1 min − 1 ) or placebo over 390 min. After 30 min, a solid test meal was served. Venous blood was drawn frequently for the determination of glucose, insulin, C-peptide, GLP-1 and ghrelin. Results During the infusion of exogenous GLP-1 and placebo, GLP-1 plasma concentrations reached steady-state levels of 139 ± 15 pmol/l and 12 ± 2 pmol/l, respectively ( p < 0.0001). During placebo infusion, ghrelin levels were significantly reduced in the immediate postprandial period ( p < 0.001), and rose again afterwards. GLP-1 administration prevented the initial postprandial decline in ghrelin levels, possibly as a result of delayed gastric emptying, and significantly reduced ghrelin levels 150 and 360 min after meal ingestion ( p < 0.05). The patterns of ghrelin concentrations in the experiments with GLP-1 and placebo administration were inversely related to the respective plasma levels of insulin and C-peptide. Conclusions GLP-1 reduces the rise in ghrelin levels in the late postprandial period at supraphysiological plasma levels. Most likely, these effects are indirectly mediated through its insulinotropic action. The GLP-1-induced suppression of ghrelin secretion might be involved in its anorexic effects.

The glucagon-like peptide-1 metabolite GLP-1-(9–36) amide reduces postprandial glycemia independently of gastric emptying and insulin secretion in humans

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) lowers glycemia by modulating gastric emptying and endocrine pancreatic secretion. Rapidly after its secretion, GLP-1-(7-36) amide is degraded to the metabolite GLP-1-(9-36) amide. The effects of GLP-1-(9-36) amide in humans are less well characterized. Fourteen healthy volunteers were studied with intravenous infusion of GLP-1-(7-36) amide, GLP-1-(9-36) amide, or placebo over 390 min. After 30 min, a solid test meal was served, and gastric emptying was assessed. Blood was drawn for GLP-1 (total and intact), glucose, insulin, C-peptide, and glucagon measurements. Administration of GLP-1-(7-36) amide and GLP-1-(9-36) amide significantly raised total GLP-1 plasma levels. Plasma concentrations of intact GLP-1 increased to 21 +/- 5 pmol/l during the infusion of GLP-1-(7-36) amide but remained unchanged during GLP-1-(9-36) amide infusion [5 +/- 3 pmol/l; P < 0.001 vs. GLP-1-(7-36) amide administration]. GLP-1-(7-36) amide reduced fasting and postprandial glucose concentrations (P < 0.001) and delayed gastric emptying (P < 0.001). The GLP-1 metabolite had no influence on insulin or C-peptide concentrations. Glucagon levels were lowered by GLP-1-(7-36) amide but not by GLP-1-(9-36) amide. However, the postprandial rise in glycemia was reduced significantly (by approximately 6 mg/dl) by GLP-1-(9-36) amide (P < 0.05). In contrast, gastric emptying was completely unaffected by the GLP-1 metabolite. The GLP-1 metabolite lowers postprandial glycemia independently of changes in insulin and glucagon secretion or in the rate of gastric emptying. Most likely, this is because of direct effects on glucose disposal. However, the glucose-lowering potential of GLP-1-(9-36) amide appears to be small compared with that of intact GLP-1-(7-36) amide.

Inhibitory effect of GLP-1 on gastric motility persists after vagal deafferentation in pigs

Background. Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is an intestinal hormone that is secreted in response to meal ingestion. GLP-1 inhibits gastric emptying and reduces postprandial gastric secretion and may play a physiological regulatory role in controlling appetite and energy intake in humans. The GLP-1 receptors have been identified in several organs including the stomach, brain and pancreas. The GLP-1 mechanism of action on insulin secretion is at least partly mediated via receptors on the pancreatic islet, but the mechanism by which GLP-1 retards gastric emptying is not known and may involve neural interactions, although GLP-1 has no effect on vagally stimulated motor activity of the isolated porcine antrum.Material and methods. Previously, an experimental model was developed with centrally (insulin hypoglycaemia) induced vagally mediated stimulation of antral motility, recorded by force transducers, in anaesthetized pigs. This model has now been developed further to include vagal deafferentation to determine the role of the afferent vagus in mediating the inhibitory effect of GLP-1 on gastric motility.Results. Intravenous infusion of GLP-1 resulting in slightly supraphysiological plasma levels inhibited the antral contractile force, with the amplitude falling from 29.9±5.7 mm to 14.6±3.5 mm (p<0.001). After vagal deafferentation GLP-1 still inhibited antral motility (from 36.6±6.4 mm to 25±4.4 mm (p<0.019). The decrease in amplitude was the same before and after deafferentation.Conclusions. GLP-1 significantly inhibited centrally induced antral motility and the inhibitory effect of GLP-1 on gastric motility persisted after vagal deafferentation, supporting the hypothesis that the inhibitory effect results from direct interaction of GLP with receptors in the CNS, which in turn reduce vagal efferent output.

Effects of gastric emptying on the postprandial ghrelin response

Distension and chemosensitization of the stomach are insufficient to induce a ghrelin response, suggesting that postgastric feedback is required. This postgastric feedback may be regulated through insulin. We investigated the relation between gastric emptying rate and the postprandial ghrelin response as well as the role of insulin and other hormones possibly mediating this response. Fifteen healthy men [BMI 21.6 kg/m2 (SD 1.9), age 20.5 yr (SD 2.5)] were studied in a single-blind, crossover design. Subjects received two treatments separated by 1 wk: 1) a dairy breakfast in combination with a 3-h intravenous infusion of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which delays gastric emptying, and 2) a dairy breakfast in combination with a 3-h intravenous infusion of saline. Blood samples were drawn before breakfast and during the infusion. Postprandial ghrelin (total) responses were lower following the saline infusion compared with the GLP-1 infusion (P < 0.05). Acetaminophen concentrations, an indirect measurement of gastric emptying rate, were inversely correlated with total ghrelin concentrations (saline r = -0.76; 95% CI = -0.90, -0.49, GLP-1 r = -0.47; 95% CI = -0.76, -0.04). Ghrelin concentrations were only weakly correlated with insulin concentrations (saline r = -0.36; 95% CI = -0.69, 0.09; GLP- 1 r = -0.42; 95% CI = -0.73, 0.03), but strongly inversely correlated with GIP concentrations (saline r = -0.74; 95% CI= -0.89, -0.45; GLP-1 r = -0.63; 95% CI = -0.84, -0.27). In conclusion, our results support the hypothesis that ghrelin requires postgastric feedback, which may not be regulated through insulin. Conversely, our data suggest a role of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide in ghrelin secretion.

Intravenous infusion of glucagon-like peptide-1 potently inhibits food intake, sham feeding, and gastric emptying in rats

Glucagon-like peptide-1(7-36)-amide (GLP-1) is postulated to act as a hormonal signal from gut to brain to inhibit food intake and gastric emptying. A mixed-nutrient meal produces a 2 to 3-h increase in plasma GLP-1. We determined the effects of intravenous infusions of GLP-1 on food intake, sham feeding, and gastric emptying in rats to assess whether GLP-1 inhibits food intake, in part, by slowing gastric emptying. A 3-h intravenous infusion of GLP-1 (0.5-170 pmol.kg(-1).min(-1)) at dark onset dose-dependently inhibited food intake in rats that were normally fed with a potency (mean effective dose) and efficacy (maximal % inhibition) of 23 pmol.kg(-1).min(-1) and 82%, respectively. Similar total doses of GLP-1 administered over a 15-min period were less potent and effective. In gastric emptying experiments, GLP-1 (1.7-50 pmol.kg(-1).min(-1)) dose-dependently inhibited gastric emptying of saline and ingested chow with potencies of 18 and 6 pmol.kg(-1).min(-1) and maximal inhibitions of 74 and 83%, respectively. In sham-feeding experiments, GLP-1 (5-50 pmol.kg(-1).min(-1)) dose-dependently reduced 15% aqueous sucrose intake in a similar manner when gastric cannulas were closed (real feeding) and open (sham feeding). These results demonstrate that intravenous infusions of GLP-1 dose-dependently inhibit food intake, sham feeding, and gastric emptying with a similar potency and efficacy. Thus GLP-1 may inhibit food intake in part by reducing gastric emptying, yet can also inhibit food intake independently of its action to reduce gastric emptying. It remains to be determined whether intravenous doses of GLP-1 that reproduce postprandial increases in plasma GLP-1 are sufficient to inhibit food intake and gastric emptying.

Secretion, degradation, and elimination of glucagon-like peptide 1 and gastric inhibitory polypeptide in patients with chronic renal insufficiency and healthy control subjects.

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) are important factors in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes and have a promising therapeutic potential. Alterations of their secretion, in vivo degradation, and elimination in patients with chronic renal insufficiency (CRI) have not yet been characterized. Ten patients with CRI (aged 47 +/- 15 years, BMI 24.5 +/- 2.2 kg/m(2), and serum creatinine 2.18 +/- 0.86 mg/dl) and 10 matched healthy control subjects (aged 44 +/- 12 years, BMI 24.9 +/- 3.4 kg/m(2), and serum creatinine 0.89 +/- 0.10 mg/dl) were included. On separate occasions, an oral glucose tolerance test (75 g), an intravenous infusion of GLP-1 (0.5 pmol. kg(-1). min(-1) over 30 min), and an intravenous infusion of GIP (1.0 pmol. kg(-1). min(-1) over 30 min) were performed. Venous blood samples were drawn for the determination of glucose (glucose oxidase), insulin, C-peptide, GLP-1 (total and intact), and GIP (total and intact; specific immunoassays). Plasma levels of GIP (3-42) and GLP-1 (9-36 amide) were calculated. Statistics were performed using repeated-measures and one-way ANOVA. After the oral glucose load, plasma concentrations of intact GLP-1 and intact GIP reached similar levels in both groups (P = 0.31 and P = 0.87, respectively). The concentrations of GIP (3-42) and GLP-1 (9-36 amide) were significantly higher in the patients than in the control subjects (P = 0.0021 and P = 0.027, respectively). During and after the exogenous infusion, GLP-1 (9-36 amide) and GIP (3-42) reached higher plasma concentrations in the CRI patients than in the control subjects (P < 0.001 and P = 0.0033, respectively), whereas the plasma levels of intact GLP-1 and GIP were not different between the groups (P = 0.29 and P = 0.27, respectively). Plasma half-lives were 3.4 +/- 0.6 and 2.3 +/- 0.4 min for intact GLP-1 (P = 0.13) and 5.3 +/- 0.8 and 3.3 +/- 0.4 min for the GLP-1 metabolite (P = 0.029) for CRI patients vs. healthy control subjects, respectively. Plasma half-lives of intact GIP were 6.9 +/- 1.4 and 5.0 +/- 1.2 min (P = 0.31) and 38.1 +/- 6.0 and 22.4 +/- 3.0 min for the GIP metabolite (P = 0.032) for CRI patients vs. healthy control subjects, respectively. Insulin concentrations tended to be lower in the patients during all experiments, whereas C-peptide levels tended to be elevated. These data underline the importance of the kidneys for the final elimination of GIP and GLP-1. The initial dipeptidyl peptidase IV-mediated degradation of both hormones is almost unaffected by impairments in renal function. Delayed elimination of GLP-1 and GIP in renal insufficiency may influence the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of dipeptidyl peptidase IV-resistant incretin derivatives to be used for the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes.

Cardiovascular and pancreatic endocrine responses to glucagon-like peptide-1(7-36) amide in the conscious calf.

Intravenous infusions of glucagon-like peptide-1(7-36) amide (GLP-1; 35 pmol min-1 kg-1 for 10 min) produced a significant rise in mean heart rate, without significant change in mean aortic blood pressure, together with a significant rise in mean arterial plasma insulin, but not in plasma pancreatic glucagon or pancreatic polypeptide concentration, in conscious calves given exogenous glucose (30-60 micromol min-1 kg-1 i.v.). The insulinotropic effect was eliminated in the presence of exogenous amino acids (0.03 mmol min-1 kg-1 i.v.). It was not affected predictably by blocking the synthesis of nitric oxide or by the simultaneous administration of the established incretin factor gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP). Whereas GLP-1 produced a statistically significant rise in plasma insulin concentration in these animals, it was much less effective than GRP in this respect, when given by continuous i.v. infusion.