Endocrine Abstracts

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) acts as both a peripheral incretin hormone and a central neuropeptide to regulate glucose and energy homeostasis. Within the brain, GLP1 is synthesised by a discrete collection of neurones in the brainstem, and presynaptic release of GLP1 results in binding to postsynaptic GLP1 receptors (GLP1R). The pattern of projections from these GLP1 synthesising neurones in the mouse brain has been described previously1,2. Here we use a novel tra...

Glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is derived from selective cleavage of the preproglucagon (PPG) molecule synthesised in intestinal L-cells. The physiological action of GLP-1 is most commonly recognised as a peripherally released incretin, but a subset of neurons in the lower brainstem, the PPG neurons, also express GLP-1. The majority of PPG neuronal cell bodies are located in the nucleus of the solitary tract and their axons project to numerous sites throughout the CNS. Many o...

Introduction: The gut hormone peptide YY 3-36 (PYY3-36) is secreted postprandially from intestinal L-cells to signal satiety. Peripheral administration of PYY3-36 suppresses food intake in rodents and humans. PYY3-36-based drugs are therefore promising anti-obesity treatments. It has been proposed that circulating PYY3-36 supresses appetite via the Y2 receptor (Y2R) in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC). The vagus nerve, the majo...

High dietary protein intake can suppress appetite, drive weight loss and improve glucose homeostasis. Understanding the mechanisms by which ingested protein is sensed may reveal new therapeutic targets for metabolic disease. G-protein coupled receptor 35 (GPR35) is activated by compounds including Kynurenic acid (Kyna), a product of amino acid metabolism. GPR35 is expressed in the intestines, most highly in the colon, and has recently been identified in the afferent vagus nerv...

High protein diets are effective at promoting weight loss and stimulating the secretion of pancreatic hormones. Understanding the mechanisms underlying these effects may highlight new potential therapeutic targets. The calcium sensing receptor (CaSR) is stimulated by calcium and plays a critical role in calcium homeostasis. However, it is also found in many tissues unrelated to calcium regulation. CaSR activity can be modulated by aromatic amino acids, most potently by ...