Abstract
Glucagon-like peptide 1 is a gastrointestinally derived hormone with profound effects on nutrient-induced pancreatic hormone release. GLP-1 modulates insulin, glucagon and somatostatin secretion by binding to guanine nucleotide binding protein-coupled receptors resulting in the activation of adenylate cyclase and generation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). In the B-cell, cAMP, via activation of protein kinase A, interacts with a plethora of signal transduction processes including ion channel activity, intracellular Ca2+ handling and exocytosis of the insulin-containing granules. The stimulatory action of GLP-1 on insulin secretion, contrary to that of the currently used hypoglycaemic sulphonylureas, is glucose dependent and requires the presence of normal or elevated concentrations of the sugar. For this reason, GLP-1 attracts much interest as a possible novel principle for the treatment of human type-2 diabetes. Here we review the actions of GLP-1 on islet cell function and attempt to integrate current knowledge into a working model for the control of pancreatic hormone secretion.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Gromada, J., Holst, J. & Rorsman, P. Cellular regulation of islet hormone secretion by the incretin hormone glucagon-like peptide 1. Pflügers Arch 435, 583–594 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004240050558
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004240050558