Incretin Signalling – islet cells and glucose metabolism.
Some of the main intestinal hormones include Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1), Oxyntomodulin, Peptide YY and Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Hormone (GIP).
They moderate Glucagon and Insulin in the Langerhans Islets (endocrine pancreas).
GIP is responsible for 44% of insulin secretion. A nutrient load in the gut stimulates the release of the incretin hormones GIP and GLP-1.
GIP and GLP-1 signal to pancreatic islets to enhance glucose-dependent insulin secretion.
This ‘incretin effect’ is a major contributor to the regulation of the postprandial glucose clearance in healthy people.