Minireview: Finding the sweet spot: Peripheral versus central glucagon-like peptide 1 action in feeding and glucose homeostasis

Abstract

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is both a gut-derivedhormoneand a neurotransmitter synthesized in the brain. Early reports suggested that GLP-1 acts in the periphery to promote insulin secretion and affect glucose homeostasis, whereas central GLP-1 reduces food intake and body weight. However, current research indicates that in fact, GLP-1 in each location plays a role in these functions. This review summarizes the evidence for involvement of peripheral and brain GLP-1 in food intake regulation and glucose homeostasis and proposes a model for the coordinated actions of GLP-1 at multiple sites. Copyright © 2009 by The Endocrine Society.