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Horm Metab Res 2004; 36(11/12): 804-810
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-826167
Review
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

The Role of GLP-1 in the Life and Death of Pancreatic Beta Cells

R.  Perfetti1 , H.  Hui1
  • 1 Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Davis Building, Room 3094A, 8700 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048-0750, USA
Further Information

Publication History

Received 29 June 2004

Accepted after revision 18 August 2004

Publication Date:
18 January 2005 (online)

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Abstract

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a peptide hormone produce by intestinal cells, has recently been shown to be capable of modulating islet cell mass. Administration of GLP-1 to rodent models of type 2 diabetes ameliorates insulin secretion, induces the replication of islet cells, and promotes islet-cell neogenesis from pancreatic ductal cells susceptible to transdifferentiate in insulin-producing cells. In addition, an anti-apoptotic effect of GLP-1 has been described in hyperglycemic animal models, using freshly isolated human islets or cultured beta cell lines exposed to various pro-apoptotic stimuli. The aim of this article is to review those reports that have emphasized the role of GLP-1 as a regulator of islet cell mass.

Key words

Beta-cells · Insulin · Differentiation · Regeneration and apoptosis · Diabetes

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R. Perfetti, M. D., Ph. D.

Div. Endocrinology and Metabolism

Becker Building, Room B-131 · Department of Medicine · Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · 8700 Beverly Blvd. · Los Angeles, CA 90048 · USA

Phone: +1 (310) 423-2435

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Email: perfettir@cshs.org