Anorexigenic effects of GLP-1 and its analogues

Abstract

GLP-1 receptors are expressed in the brain, especially in the regions responsible for the regulation of food intake, and intracerebroventricular injection of GLP-1 results in inhibition of food intake. Peripheral administration of GLP-1 dose-dependently enhances satiety and reduces food intake in normal and obese subjects as well as in type 2 diabetic patients. So far, the mechanisms by which GLP-1 exerts its effects are not completely clear. Interactions with neurons in the gastrointestinal tract or possibly direct access to the brain through the blood-brain barrier as observed in rats are possible and discussed in this chapter as well as a novel hypothesis based on the finding that GLP-1 is also expressed in taste cells. Finally, the role of GLP-1 receptor agonists as a possible treatment option in obesity is discussed as well as the role of GLP-1 in the effects of bariatric surgery on adiposity and glucose homeostasis. © 2012 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.