Incretin

Incretin is a group of metabolic hormones that stimulate a decrease in blood glucose levels. Incretins are released after eating and augment the secretion of insulin released from pancreatic beta cells of the Islets of Langerhans by a blood glucose-dependent mechanism.

Function

Incretins are a group of gastrointestinal hormones that cause an increase in the amount of insulin released from the beta cells of the pancreas after eating, even before blood glucose levels become elevated. They also slow the rate of absorption of nutrients into the blood stream by reducing gastric emptying and may directly reduce food intake. Together, these effects lead to a decrease in blood glucose levels, avoiding the drastic peaks in blood glucose that would otherwise result from the absorption of nutrients.

Types of Incretins

There are two main types of incretins: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and Gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP). Both hormones are rapidly inactivated by the enzyme Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4).

Glucagon-like peptide-1

GLP-1 is a hormone that is secreted from L cells, which are a type of enteroendocrine cell located in the ileum and colon. It is secreted in response to food intake and has several effects that result in lower blood glucose levels.

Gastric inhibitory polypeptide

GIP is a hormone that is secreted from K cells, which are a type of enteroendocrine cell located in the duodenum and jejunum. It is also secreted in response to food intake and has several effects that result in lower blood glucose levels.

Clinical significance

Incretin-based therapies, such as GLP-1 receptor agonists and DPP-4 inhibitors, are a type of treatment for Type 2 diabetes. They work by mimicking the effects of the body's own incretins or by preventing the body from breaking down its own incretins.

See also

• Insulin
• Glucagon-like peptide-1
• Gastric inhibitory polypeptide
• Dipeptidyl peptidase-4
• Type 2 diabetes

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