Effects of glucagon-like peptide 1 (7-36 amide) on whole-body protein metabolism in healthy man

The incretin glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) shows glucose-dependent insulinotropic activity and may exert anabolic effects. Whole-body protein metabolism was assessed by measuring [I-C-13]-leucine kinetics in 13 healthy volunteers during hyperglycaemic clamping with or without pancreatic clamping (somatostatin infusion) in order to differentiate between insulin-mediated and direct GLP-1 effects. During intact pancreatic secretion leucine flux and leucine oxidation rate as parameters of whole-body protein breakdown decreased markedly after 180 min of synthetic GLP-1 infusion (GLP-1 vs. placebo: P < 0.003). Indirect calorimetry showed an increase in energy expenditure and CO2 production during GLP-1 administration (P < 0.0005). Plasma insulin increased after 3 h of GLP-1 infusion to 1486 +/- 145 pmol L(-1) vs. 185 +/- 12 pmol L(-1) for saline (P < 0.0001). When plasma insulin levels were kept constant (GLP-1 vs. saline, NS) during pancreatic clamping, GLP-1 effects on both protein metabolism and energy expenditure were abolished. Thus, GLP-1 infusion in man exerts protein anticatabolic and thermic effects, which are mediated by GLP-1-induced stimulation of insulin secretion.