Characterization of glucagon-like peptide-I(7-36)amide receptors of rat lung membranes by covalent cross-linking

Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 and Atrial Natriuretic Peptide in a Female Mouse Model of Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is protective in lung disease models but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Because the hormone atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) also has beneficial effects in lung disease, we hypothesized that GLP-1 effects may be mediated by ANP expression. To study this putative link, we used a mouse model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and assessed lung function by unrestrained whole-body plethysmography. In 1 study, we investigated the role of endogenous GLP-1 by genetic GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) knockout (KO) and pharmaceutical blockade of the GLP-1R with the antagonist exendin-9 to -39 (EX-9). In another study the effects of exogenous GLP-1 were assessed. Lastly, we investigated the bronchodilatory properties of ANP and a GLP-1R agonist on isolated bronchial sections from healthy and COPD mice.

Lung function did not differ between mice receiving phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and EX-9 or between GLP-1R KO mice and their wild-type littermates. The COPD mice receiving GLP-1R agonist improved pulmonary function (P < .01) with less inflammation, but no less emphysema compared to PBS-treated mice. Compared with the PBS-treated mice, treatment with GLP-1 agonist increased ANP (nppa) gene expression by 10-fold (P < .01) and decreased endothelin-1 (P < .01), a peptide associated with bronchoconstriction. ANP had moderate bronchodilatory effects in isolated bronchial sections and GLP-1R agonist also showed bronchodilatory properties but less than ANP. Responses to both peptides were significantly increased in COPD mice (P < .05, P < .01).

Taken together, our study suggests a link between GLP-1 and ANP in COPD.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) reduces mortality and improves lung function in a model of experimental obstructive lung disease in female mice

The incretin hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an important insulin secretagogue and GLP-1 analogs are used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. GLP-1 displays antiinflammatory and surfactant-releasing effects. Thus, we hypothesize that treatment with GLP-1 analogs will improve pulmonary function in a mouse model of obstructive lung disease. Female mice were sensitized with injected ovalbumin and treated with GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists. Exacerbation was induced with inhalations of ovalbumin and lipopolysaccharide. Lung function was evaluated with a measurement of enhanced pause in a whole-body plethysmograph. mRNA levels of GLP-1R, surfactants (SFTPs), and a number of inflammatory markers were measured. GLP-1R was highly expressed in lung tissue. Mice treated with GLP-1R agonists had a noticeably better clinical appearance than the control group. Enhanced pause increased dramatically at day 17 in all control mice, but the increase was significantly less in the groups of GLP-1R agonist-treated mice (P < .001). Survival proportions were significantly increased in GLP-1R agonist-treated mice (P < .01). SFTPB and SFTPA were down-regulated and the expression of inflammatory cytokines were increased in mice with obstructive lung disease, but levels were largely unaffected by GLP-1R agonist treatment. These results show that GLP-1R agonists have potential therapeutic potential in the treatment of obstructive pulmonary diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, by decreasing the severity of acute exacerbations. The mechanism of action does not seem to be the modulation of inflammation and SFTP expression.

The antagonistic metabolite of GLP-1, GLP-1 (9-36)amide, does not influence gastric emptying and hunger sensations in man

OBJECTIVE

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1 (7-36)amide) is an intestinal hormone that is released in response to meal ingestion. GLP-1 reduces postprandial gastric and exocrine pancreatic secretion and is believed to inhibit gastric emptying. Furthermore, GLP-1 may play a role in hunger and thirst regulation. In vivo, GLP-1 is rapidly (within minutes) converted into a metabolite, GLP-1 (9-36)amide, which has been shown to act as a GLP-1 receptor antagonist in vitro and in anaesthetized pigs. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of infusion of GLP-1 (9-36)amide on hunger ratings and antral emptying of a meal.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Six healthy volunteers were tested in a double-blind, placebo-controlled fashion. Antral emptying of a liquid meal and hunger ratings were determined using ultrasound technology and visual analogue scale scoring during infusions of saline or GLP-1 (9-36)amide (5 pmol/kg body wt/min) resulting in supraphysiological concentrations.

RESULTS

Infusion of GLP-1 (9-36)amide had no effect on gastric emptying or the sensation of hunger compared to saline.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggests that the rapid formation of the antagonistic metabolite does not influence gastric emptying and hunger ratings in humans even when it is present in supraphysiological concentrations.

Inhibitory effect of GLP-1 on gastric motility persists after vagal deafferentation in pigs

BACKGROUND

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is an intestinal hormone that is secreted in response to meal ingestion. GLP-1 inhibits gastric emptying and reduces postprandial gastric secretion and may play a physiological regulatory role in controlling appetite and energy intake in humans. The GLP-1 receptors have been identified in several organs including the stomach, brain and pancreas. The GLP-1 mechanism of action on insulin secretion is at least partly mediated via receptors on the pancreatic islet, but the mechanism by which GLP-1 retards gastric emptying is not known and may involve neural interactions, although GLP-1 has no effect on vagally stimulated motor activity of the isolated porcine antrum.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Previously, an experimental model was developed with centrally (insulin hypoglycaemia) induced vagally mediated stimulation of antral motility, recorded by force transducers, in anaesthetized pigs. This model has now been developed further to include vagal deafferentation to determine the role of the afferent vagus in mediating the inhibitory effect of GLP-1 on gastric motility.

RESULTS

Intravenous infusion of GLP-1 resulting in slightly supraphysiological plasma levels inhibited the antral contractile force, with the amplitude falling from 29.9+/-5.7 mm to 14.6+/-3.5 mm (p<0.001). After vagal deafferentation GLP-1 still inhibited antral motility (from 36.6+/-6.4 mm to 25+/-4.4 mm (p<0.019). The decrease in amplitude was the same before and after deafferentation.

CONCLUSIONS

GLP-1 significantly inhibited centrally induced antral motility and the inhibitory effect of GLP-1 on gastric motility persisted after vagal deafferentation, supporting the hypothesis that the inhibitory effect results from direct interaction of GLP with receptors in the CNS, which in turn reduce vagal efferent output.

The incretin effect and its potentiation by glucagon-like peptide 1-based therapies: a revolution in diabetes management

The incretin effect is a phenomenon in which enteral glucose administration provokes greater insulin secretion than intravenous administration. The main incretins, glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide and glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 are defective in Type 2 diabetes; whereas glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide displays diminished effectiveness, GLP-1 secretion is decreased; thus, GLP-1 was a stronger candidate for a new class of anti-diabetic agents designed to potentiate the incretin effect. In the past decade, GLP-1 mimetics, peptidase inhibitors and GLP-1 have been developed. Early randomised trials show that these agents contribute to glucose homeostasis and enhance beta-cell function, without causing hypoglycaemia or weight gain. This review includes an historical perspective, physiology of incretins, and discussions of the pathophysiology in Type 2 diabetes, pharmacology of the main agents and randomised clinical trials published to date.

International Union of Pharmacology. XXXV. The glucagon receptor family

Peptide hormones within the secretin-glucagon family are expressed in endocrine cells of the pancreas and gastrointestinal epithelium and in specialized neurons in the brain, and subserve multiple biological functions, including regulation of growth, nutrient intake, and transit within the gut, and digestion, energy absorption, and energy assimilation. Glucagon, glucagon-like peptide-1, glucagon-like peptide-2, glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide, growth hormone-releasing hormone and secretin are structurally related peptides that exert their actions through unique members of a structurally related G protein-coupled receptor class 2 family. This review discusses advances in our understanding of how these peptides exert their biological activities, with a focus on the biological actions and structural features of the cognate receptors. The receptors have been named after their parent and only physiologically relevant ligand, in line with the recommendations of the International Union of Pharmacology Committee on Receptor Nomenclature and Drug Classification (NC-IUPHAR).

Evaluation of glycated glucagon-like peptide-1(7-36)amide in intestinal tissue of normal and diabetic animal models

Glucagon-like peptide-1(7-36)amide (tGLP-1) is an important insulin-releasing hormone of the enteroinsular axis which is secreted by endocrine L-cells of the small intestine following nutrient ingestion. The present study has evaluated tGLP-1 in the intestines of normal and diabetic animal models and estimated the proportion present in glycated form. Total immunoreactive tGLP-1 levels in the intestines of hyperglycaemic hydrocortisone-treated rats, streptozotocin-treated mice and ob/ob mice were similar to age-matched controls. Affinity chromatographic separation of glycated and non-glycated proteins in intestinal extracts followed by radioimmunoassay using a fully cross-reacting anti-serum demonstrated the presence of glycated tGLP-1 within the intestinal extracts of all control animals (approximately 19% of total tGLP-1 content). Chemically induced and spontaneous animal models of diabetes were found to possess significantly greater levels of glycated tGLP-1 than controls, corresponding to between 24--71% of the total content. These observations suggest that glycated tGLP-1 may be of physiological significance given that such N-terminal modification confers resistance to DPP IV inactivation and degradation, extending the very short half-life (<3 min) and bioactivity of the native peptide.

Glucagon-like peptide-1(7-36) amide stimulates surfactant secretion in human type II pneumocytes

To determine the influence of glucagon-like peptides on the secretion of human pulmonary surfactant, we used human type II pneumocytes. In these cells, GLP-1(7-36) amide and exendin-4 stimulated phosphatidylcholine secretion (PC) and cAMP formation in a concentration-dependent manner; these effects were reversed by exendin(9-39). No changes were observed with other related peptides. The mechanism by which GLP-1(7-36) amide exerts its stimulatory effect was investigated with various agents that are well known to be stimulators or inhibitors of PC secretion. Thus, 8-bromo-cAMP increased and both Rp-cAMPS and H-89, the latter an inhibitor of protein kinase A (PKA), reduced pulmonary surfactant secretion in type II pneumocytes. Also, GLP-1(7-36) amide and TPA exerted additive effects in stimulating PC secretion, and Calph C, a potent inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC), blocked most of the effect of GLP-1(7-36) amide. By contrast, both the calcium ionophore A23187 and GLP-1(7-36) amide had additive effects in increasing PC secretion, and the specific inhibitor of Ca(2+)-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (Ca-CM-PK), KN-62, inhibited the effect of A23187 but did not alter the stimulatory action of GLP-1(7-36) amide. Our findings suggest that both PKA and PKC are involved in the stimulatory effects of GLP-1(7-36) amide on PC secretion, whereas this peptide has no effect on PC secretion through a Ca-CM-PK mechanism.

Expression of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor and the effect of GLP-1-(7-36) amide on insulin release by pancreatic islets during rat ontogenic development

The expression of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor and the effects of GLP-1-(7-36) amide (t-GLP-1) on glucose metabolism and insulin release by pancreatic islets during rat development were studied. GLP-1 receptor mRNA was found in significant amounts in pancreatic islets from all age groups studied, GLP-1 receptor expression being maximal when pancreatic islets were incubated at physiological glucose concentration (5.5 mM), but decreasing significantly when incubated with either 1.67 or 16.7 mM glucose. Glucose utilization and oxidation by pancreatic islets from fetal and adult rats rose as a function of glucose concentration, always being higher in fetal than in adult islets. The addition of t-GLP-1 to the incubation medium did not modify glucose metabolism but gastric inhibitory polypeptide and glucagon significantly increased glucose utilization by fetal and adult pancreatic islets at 16.7 mM glucose. At this concentration, glucose produced a significant increase in insulin release by the pancreatic islets from 10-day-old and 20-day-old suckling rats and adult rats, whereas those from fetuses showed only a significant increase when glucose was raised from 1.67 to 5.5 mM. t-GLP-1 elicited an increase in insulin release by pancreatic islets from all the experimental groups when the higher glucose concentrations were used. Our findings indicate that GLP-1 receptors and the effect of t-GLP-1 on insulin release are already present in the fetus, and they therefore exclude the possibility that alterations in the action of t-GLP-1 are responsible for the unresponsiveness of pancreatic beta cells to glucose in the fetus, but stimulation of t-GLP-1 release by food ingestion in newborns may partially confer glucose competence on beta cells.

Neural contribution to the effect of glucagon-like peptide-1-(7-36) amide on arterial blood pressure in rats

This study was designed to determine the contribution of the central nervous system (CNS) to the effects of glucagon-like peptide-1-(7-36) amide (tGLP-1) on arterial blood pressure and heart rate in rats. Accordingly, intracerebroventricular administration of the peptide produced an increase in cardiovascular parameters, which was blocked by previous administration of exendin-(9-39) through the same route, but not when it was intravenously injected. Intravenous administration of tGLP-1 produced a significant increase in arterial blood pressure and heart rate, which was blocked by the previous intracerebroventricular or intravenous administration of exendin-(9-39). Bilateral vagotomy blocked the stimulating effect of intracerebroventricular tGLP-1 administration on arterial blood pressure and heart rate. Also, bilateral vagotomy prevented the blocking effect of intracerebroventricular but not of intravenous exendin-(9-39) on cardiovascular parameters after intravenous administration of tGLP-1. These findings suggest that the action of tGLP-1 on cardiovascular parameters is under a dual control generated in the CNS and in peripheral structures and that the neural information emerging in the brain is transmitted to the periphery through the vagus nerve.

Coexpression of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor, vasopressin, and oxytocin mRNAs in neurons of the rat hypothalamic supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei: effect of GLP-1(7-36)amide on vasopressin and oxytocin release

This study was designed to gain better insight into the relationship between glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) (7-36) amide and vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OX). In situ hybridization histochemistry revealed colocalization of the mRNAs for GLP-1 receptor, AVP, and OX in neurons of the hypothalamic supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei. To determine whether GLP-1(7-36)amide alters AVP and/or OX release, both in vivo and in vitro experimental study designs were used. In vivo, intravenous administration of 1 microg of GLP-1(7-36)amide into the jugular vein significantly decreased plasma AVP and OX concentrations. In vitro incubation of the neurohypophysis with either 0.1 or 1 microg of GLP-1(7-36)amide did not modify the release of AVP. However, addition of 1 microg of GLP-1(7-36)amide to the incubation medium increased slightly the secretion of OX. The coexpression of GLP-1 receptor and AVP mRNAs in hypothalamic supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei gives further support to the already reported central effects of GLP-1 (7-36)amide on AVP. Our findings also suggest a dual secretory response of AVP and OX to the effect of GLP-1 (7-36)amide, which most likely is related to the amount and/or the route of peptide administration.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (7-36) amide as a novel neuropeptide

Although earlier studies indicated that GLP-1 (7-36) amide was an intestinal peptide with a potent effect on glucose-dependent insulin secretion, later on it was found that several biological effects of this peptide occur in the brain, rather than in peripheral tissues. Thus, proglucagon is expressed in pancreas, intestine, and brain, but post translational processing of the precursor yields different products in these organs, glucagon-like peptide-1 (7-36) amide being one of the forms produced in the brain. Also, GLP-1 receptor cDNA from human and rat brains has been cloned and sequenced, and the deduced amino acid sequences are the same as those found in pancreatic islets. Through these receptors, GLP-1 (7-36) amide from gut or brain sources induces its effects on the release of neurotransmitters from selective brain nuclei, the inhibition of gastric secretion and motility, the regulation of food and drink intake, thermoregulation, and arterial blood pressure. Central administration (icv) of GLP-1 (7-36) amide produces a marked reduction in food and water intake, and the colocalization of the GLP-1 receptor, GLUT-2, and glucokinase mRNAs in hypothalamic neurons involved in glucose sensing suggests that these cells may be involved in the transduction of signals needed to produce a state of fullness. In addition, GLP-1 (7-36) amide inhibits gastric acid secretion and gastric emptying, but these effects are not found in vagotomized subjects, suggesting a centrally mediated effect. Similar results have been found with the action of this peptide on arterial blood pressure and heart rate in rats. Synthesis of GLP-1 (7-36) amide and its own receptors in the brain together with its abovementioned central physiological effects imply that this peptide may be considered a neuropeptide. Also, the presence of GLP-1 (7-36) amide in the synaptosome fraction and its calcium-dependent release by potassium stimulation, suggest that the peptide may act as a neurotransmitter although further electrophysiological and ultrastructural studies are needed to confirm this possibility.

Glucagon-like peptide-1-(7-36)amide increases pulmonary surfactant secretion through a cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate-dependent protein kinase mechanism in rat type II pneumocytes

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor messenger RNA has been identified in cells considered type II pneumocytes that are involved in the synthesis and secretion of the pulmonary surfactant. In an attempt to open new insights into the control of surfactant secretion, we studied the effects of glucagon-related peptides in this process. Accordingly, type II pneumocytes were isolated from Wistar rat lungs and cultured overnight with [methyl-14C]choline, and then the basal and stimulated secretions of [14C]phosphatidylcholine were measured. GLP-1(7-36)amide stimulated phosphatidylcholine secretion in a concentration-dependent manner in the 1-100 nM range; the concentration of the peptide that produced a half-maximal response was 10 nM. Exendin-4 induced similar effects. No changes were observed when GLP-1-(1-37), GLP-2, or exendin-(9-39) was added to the medium. However, the latter reversed the stimulatory effects of GLP-1-(7-36)amide and exendin-4. A study of the mechanism through which GLP-1-(7-36)amide exerts its stimulatory effect was carried out using different agents that are well known stimulants of phosphatidylcholine secretion. GLP-1-(7-36)amide did not produce any change in the stimulatory effect observed with terbutaline or 8-bromo-cAMP, suggesting the involvement of a cAMP-dependent protein kinase in the stimulatory effect of this peptide on phosphatidylcholine secretion. It was further supported by the use of inhibitors of protein kinases and by the stimulation of cAMP production in type II pneumocytes incubated with either GLP-1-(7-36)amide or exendin-4.

Thyroid hormone controls the expression of insulin-like growth factor I receptor gene at different levels in lung and heart of developing and adult rats

Thyroid hormone exerts profound effects on the insulin-like growth factors (IGFs)/IGF factor I receptor (IGF-IR) system through its action on the production of IGF-I peptide and IGF-binding proteins. Most of these actions are mediated by the direct control of pituitary GH gene by thyroid hormone. In this work, we have analyzed the possible effect of hypothyroidism on the expression of IGF-IR gene, both in adult and developing animals. Our results show that in the lung and heart, thyroid hormone exerts a negative effect on IGF-IR gene expression in the adult animals and during perinatal life (from day 15 onwards). This negative effect is exerted at different levels. In the heart, this regulation occurs at a pretranslational level, indicated by the fact that parallel changes in the number of membrane IGF-I receptors and IGF-IR transcripts were observed, whereas in lung, no effect of thyroid hormone was noted in the amount of IGF-IR transcripts, suggesting a translational or posttranslational control. GH does not seem to mediate T3 effects on this gene. In contrast, retinoic acid increases the expression of IGF-IR gene at a transcriptional or posttranscriptional level in adult lung and heart. Because the IGFE/ IGF-IR system is depressed in hypothyroid animals, the specific increase in the number of IGF-IRs in the lung and heart of these animals could represent a mechanism to ameliorate the negative effects of hypothyroidism on these important organs.

Interactions of exendin-(9-39) with the effects of glucagon-like peptide-1-(7-36) amide and of exendin-4 on arterial blood pressure and heart rate in rats

This study was designed to determine the interactions of peptide exendin-(9-39) with the effect of glucagon-like peptide-1-(7-36) (GLP-1 (7-36)) amide and of exendin-4 on arterial blood pressure and heart rate in the rat. Both GLP-1 (7-36) amide and exendin-4 produced a dose-dependent increase in systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure, as well as in heart rate, although the effect of exendin-4 was more prolonged. These data indicate a longer functional half-life in vivo for exendin-4 as compared to GLP-1 (7-36) amide, which may have therapeutical applications. The antagonist effect of exendin-(9-39) on these cardiovascular parameters was also tested with 3000 ng of exendin-(9-39) intravenously administered 5 min before i.v. injection of 10 ng of either GLP-1 (7-36) amide or exendin-4. Under these experimental conditions the effect of the latter two peptides on arterial blood pressure and heart rate was blocked. By contrast, single administration of exendin-(9-39) did not modify cardiovascular parameters. These findings indicate that exendin-4 is an agonist and that exendin-(9-39) is an antagonist of the action of GLP-1 (7-36) amide on arterial blood pressure and heart rate. Therefore, the action of GLP-1 (7-36) amide on these parameters seems to be mediated through its own receptors.

Glucagon-like peptide-1(7-36)amide induces the release of aspartic acid and glutamine by the ventromedial hypothalamus of the conscious rat

Glucagon-like peptide-1(7-36)amide (GLP-1(7-36)amide) and its own receptor have been found in the hypothalamus and brain stem of the rat. In an attempt to gain further insight into the role of this peptide in brain functioning we investigated the effects of GLP-1 (7-36)amide on the release of excitatory amino acid neurotransmitters by the ventromedial hypothalamus using an experimental microdialysis approach. GLP-1(7-36)amide produced an immediate increase in the extracellular concentrations of aspartic acid and glutamine, p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively. By contrast, extracellular concentrations of glutamic acid, alanine, threonine, and tyrosine were unaffected. The results of this study show a stimulatory effect of GLP-1(7-36)amide on the release of aspartic acid and glutamine by the ventromedial hypothalamus of the rat.

Exendin-4 and exendin-(9-39)NH2: agonist and antagonist, respectively, at the rat parietal cell receptor for glucagon-like peptide-1-(7-36)NH2

Exendin-4 is a novel peptide from Heloderma suspectum venom which is 53% homologous with glucagon-like peptide-1 GLP-1-(7-36)NH2, a stimulant of cAMP-dependent H+ production in rat parietal cells. It was the aim of the present study to determine whether this effect of GLP-1-(7-36)NH2 is shared by exendin-4, and whether the responses to either peptide are blocked by exendin-(9-39)NH2, a competitive specific exendin receptor antagonist. In enriched rat parietal cells H+ production was measured indirectly by [14C]aminopyrine accumulation. cAMP production was determined by radioimmunoassay. [125I]GLP-1-(7-36)NH2 was prepared using chloramine T followed by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) purification. Exendin-4 (10(-12) - 10(-8) M) stimulated [14C]aminopyrine accumulation in a concentration-dependent manner (EC50 = 7.6 x 10(-11) M). At the maximally effective concentration (10(-9) M) exendin-4 was as effective as GLP-1-(7-36)NH2 reaching 70-80% of the response to 10(-4) M histamine. Likewise, exendin-4 (10(-11) - 10(-7) M) stimulated parietal cell cAMP production up to 2.8-fold. Maximal stimulation by exendin-4 of [14C]aminopyrine accumulation was not affected by ranitidine (10(-4) M), but was concentration-dependently reduced by exendin-(9-39)NH2 (10(-11) - 10(-7) M). At the maximal concentration, exendin-(9-39)NH2 completely abolished the responses to 10(-9) M exendin-4 and to 10(-9) M GLP-1-(7-36)NH2 while not altering stimulation by 10(-4) M histamine. Binding of [125I]GLP-1-(7-36)NH2 to enriched parietal cells was displaced by exendin-4 (Ki = 4.6 x 10(-10) M) as well as by exendin-(9-39)NH2 (Ki = 4.0 x 10(-9) M).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Signal transduction of the GLP-1-receptor cloned from a human insulinoma

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1 (7-36) amide) plays an important role in the regulation of insulin secretion and proinsulin gene expression of pancreatic beta-cells. Patients with insulinoma tumors show uncontrolled insulin hypersecretion. This study demonstrates the molecular cloning of a cDNA for the GLP-1 receptor from a human insulinoma employing a lambda-gt11 cDNA library. The cloned cDNA encoded a seven transmembrane domain protein of 463 amino acids which showed high homology to the GLP-1 receptor in normal human pancreas. Four amino acid exchanges were found in comparison to a receptor sequence obtained from regular pancreatic islets. When transfected transiently into COS-7 or stably into fibroblast CHL cells a high affinity receptor was expressed which coupled to the adenylate cyclase with normal basal cAMP and increasing intracellular cAMP levels under GLP-1 stimulation. The receptor accepted GLP-1 and the non-mammalian agonist exendin-4 as high affinity ligands. In transfected COS-7 cells, GLP-1 did not influence intracellular calcium, whereas in the stably transfected fibroblasts GLP-1 transiently increased intracellular calcium to a small extent. The understanding of GLP-1 receptor regulation and signal transduction will aid in the discovery of compounds that act as agonists of the GLP-1 receptor for potential use in the treatment of diabetes and will facilitate the understanding of its expression under normal and pathophysiological conditions.

Changes in arterial blood pressure and heart rate induced by glucagon-like peptide-1-(7-36) amide in rats

This study was designed to determine the effects of glucagon-like peptides (GLP) on arterial blood pressure and heart rate. Although glucagon caused a minimal effect and GLP-1-(1-37) produced a moderate increase of both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, GLP-1-(7-36) amide induced the greatest increases in both parameters. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate values increased when doses of the peptides were increased. By contrast, GLP-2 did not modify either arterial blood pressure or heart rate values. To determine whether the effects of GLP-1-(7-36) amide were mediated through catecholamines, the rats were pretreated with reserpine, propranolol, or phentolamine before administration of the peptide. In these three experimental groups, GLP-1-(7-36) amide increases mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate to the same level or even greater than that observed in nonpretreated rats. These findings indicate that GLP-1-(7-36) amide significantly increases arterial blood pressure and heart rate and that these effects are not mediated through catecholamines.

Receptors for gut regulatory peptides

Receptors for regulatory peptides (hormones or neurotransmitters) play a pivotal role in the ability of cells to taste the rich neuroendocrine environment of the gut. Recognition of low concentration of peptides with a high specificity and translation of the peptide-receptor interaction into a biological response through different signalling pathways (adenylyl cyclase-cAMP or phospholipase C-phosphatidylinositol) are crucial properties of receptors. While many new receptors have been identified and thereafter characterized functionally during the 1980s, molecular biology now emerges as the privileged way for the structural characterization and discovery of receptors. Different strategies of receptor cloning have been developed which may or may not require prior receptor purification. Among cloning strategies that do not require receptor purification, homology screening of cDNA libraries, expression of receptor cDNA or mRNA in Xenopus laevis oocytes or in COS cells, and the polymerase chain reaction method achieved great success, e.g. cloning of receptors for cholecystokinin, gastrin, glucagon-like peptide 1, gastrin-releasing peptide/bombesin, neuromedin K, neuropeptide Y, neurotensin, opioids, secretin, somatostatin, substance K, substance P and vasoactive intestinal peptide. All these receptors belong to the superfamily of G-protein-coupled receptors which consist of a single polypeptide chain (350-450 amino acids) with seven transmembrane segments, an N-terminal extracellular domain and a C-terminal cytoplasmic domain. In this chapter, we have detailed the properties of three receptors which play an important role in digestive tract physiology and illustrate various signal transduction pathways: pancreatic beta-cell galanin receptors which mediate inhibition of insulin release and intestinal epithelial receptors for vasoactive intestinal peptide and peptide YY, which mediate the stimulation and inhibition of water and electrolyte secretion, respectively.

Glucagon-like peptide-1, a new hormone of the entero-insular axis

The post-translational processing of proglucagon in the small intestine gives rise to glucagon-like peptide-1 (PG 78-107 amide) which has profound effects on the endocrine pancreas, and in many species also on the stomach. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (PG 78-107 amide) is secreted in man in response to physiological stimuli e.g. a mixed meal. Glucagon-like peptide-1, in concentrations corresponding to those observed in response to meals, strongly stimulates insulin secretion, in all mammals studied, even more potently than the gastric inhibitory peptide. Thus, glucagon-like peptide-1 fulfills the classic criteria for being a hormone and is likely to be a new incretin. The glucagon inhibitory effect of glucagon-like peptide-1 (PG 78-107 amide) probably further potentiates the effect of glucagon-like peptide-1 on glucose metabolism and distinguished this peptide from other intestinal peptides which have been proposed as incretins. Glucagon-like peptide-1 also inhibits gastric acid secretion and gastric emptying in man. The latter delays nutrient entry to the intestine and thereby diminishes meal-induced glucose excursions. Elevated plasma concentrations of immunoreactive glucagon-like peptide-1 have been reported in Type 2 (noninsulin-dependent) diabetic patients, however, the consequences of the elevation are not yet known. However, elevated levels of glucagon-like peptide-1 in patients with increased gastric emptying rate (post-gastrectomy syndromes) may be responsible for the exaggerated insulin secretion seen in these patients.

Solubilization of active GLP-1 (7-36)amide receptors from RINm5F plasma membranes

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (7-36)amide (GLP-1 (7-36)amide) represents a physiologically important incretin in mammals including man. Receptors for GLP-1 (7-36)amide have been described in RINm5F cells. We have solubilized active GLP-1(7-36)amide receptors from RINm5F cell membranes utilizing the detergents octyl-beta-glucoside and CHAPS; Triton X-100 and Lubrol PX were ineffective. Binding of radiolabeled GLP-1(7-36)amide to the solubilized receptor was inhibited concentration-dependently by addition of unlabeled peptide. Scatchard analysis of binding data revealed a single class of binding sites with Kd = 0.26 +/- 0.03 nM and Bmax = 65.4 +/- 21.24 fmol/mg of protein for the membrane-bound receptor and Kd = 22.54 +/- 4.42 microM and Bmax = 3.9 +/- 0.79 pmol/mg of protein for the solubilized receptor. The binding of the radiolabel to the solubilized receptor was dependent both on the concentrations of mono- and divalent cations and the protein/detergent ratio in the incubation buffer. The membrane bound receptor is sensitive to guanine-nucleotides, however neither GTP-gamma-S nor GDP-beta-S affected binding of labeled peptide to solubilized receptor. These data indicate that the solubilized receptor may have lost association with its G-protein. In conclusion, the here presented protocol allows solubilization of the GLP-1(7-36)amide receptor in a functional state, and opens up the possibility for further molecular characterization of the receptor protein.