GLUCAGON-LIKE PEPTIDE-1 - A POTENT GLYCOGENIC HORMONE

GLP-1(7-36)amide is an insulinotropic peptide derived from the intesti nal post-translational proglucagon process, the release of which is in creased mainly after a carbohydrate meal; also, its anti-diabetogenic effect in normal and diabetic states has been reported. In this study, GLP-1(7-36)amide stimulates the formation of glycogen from glucose in isolated rat hepatocytes, such a glycogenic effect being achieved wit h physiological concentrations of the peptide. The GLP-1(7-36)amide-in duced glycogenesis is abolished by glucagon, and it is accompanied by stimulation of the glycogen synthase a activity and by a decrease in t he basal and glucagon-stimulated cyclic AMP content. These findings co uld explain, at least in part, the GLP-1(7-36)amide insulin-independen t plasma glucose lowering effect.