Physiological Functions
GLP-1 possesses several physiological properties that make it (and its analogs) a subject of intensive investigation as a potential treatment of diabetes mellitus. The known physiological functions of GLP-1 include:
- increases insulin secretion from the pancreas in a glucose-dependent manner.
- decreases glucagon secretion from the pancreas by engagement of a specific G protein-coupled receptor.
- increases insulin-sensitivity in both alpha cells and beta cells
- increases beta cells mass and insulin gene expression, post-translational processing and incretion.
- inhibits acid secretion and gastric emptying in the stomach.
- decreases food intake by increasing satiety in brain.
- promotes insulin sensitivity.
As evidence of the physiological role of GLP-1 in post-prandial insulin secretion, it has been shown that an oral dose of glucose triggers a much higher peak in plasma insulin concentration compared to an intravenous dose.
Read more about this topic: Glucagon-like Peptide-1
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