Endocrine Abstracts

The preproglucagon derived peptides glucagon, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and oxyntomodulin are all known to inhibit appetite and have been previously shown to activate the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) in the brainstem. The NTS is involved in the processing of signals transmitted from the periphery to the brain via the vagus nerve. The anorectic effects of peripherally administered glucagon and GLP-1 have been shown to be diminished or ablated by subdiaphragmatic vagot...

Glucagon is released from α-cells in the pancreatic islets and is best known for its role in glucose homeostasis. Glucagon/GLP-1 receptor co-agonists have recently been shown to improve glucose homeostasis and reduce body weight in diet-induced obese mice. Glucagon receptor agonism increases energy expenditure while the GLP-1 receptor agonism prevents glucagon-induced hyperglycemia. Peripherally administered glucagon is also capable of reducing food intake, and glucagon n...

Background: The BTA guidelines for the use of thyroid function tests recommend the measurement of TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb) when investigating hyperthyroidism of uncertain aetiology, in suspected Graves’ ophthalmopathy and in pregnant women with Graves’ disease. An in-house TSH receptor autoantibody ELISA assay (TRAb) was introduced in 2008. This study has audited the assay performance and evaluated its clinical usefulness in a tertiary centre.<p class="abst...