Amylin

Definition

Amylin is a hormone co-secreted by the pancreatic beta cells along with insulin. It plays a key role in regulating glucose and energy homeostasis by complementing the actions of insulin in the body.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Amylin is co-secreted with insulin by pancreatic beta cells in response to food intake, and it helps regulate postprandial (after-meal) glucose levels.
2. Amylin slows gastric emptying, delays intestinal absorption of nutrients, and suppresses glucagon secretion, all of which contribute to maintaining blood glucose homeostasis.
3. Amylin also acts on the brain to reduce appetite and food intake, leading to weight loss and improved glycemic control in individuals with diabetes.
4. Impaired amylin secretion or action is associated with the development of type 2 diabetes, as it contributes to the dysregulation of glucose and energy balance.
5. Synthetic amylin analogues, such as pramlintide, have been developed as adjunctive treatments for diabetes to help improve glycemic control and weight management.

Review Questions

• Describe the role of amylin in regulating glucose homeostasis.
  • Amylin plays a complementary role to insulin in maintaining blood glucose levels. It does this by slowing gastric emptying, delaying the absorption of nutrients, and suppressing glucagon secretion. These actions work together to limit post-meal spikes in blood glucose. Amylin also acts on the brain to reduce appetite and food intake, further contributing to glycemic control and weight management.
• Explain the relationship between impaired amylin secretion or action and the development of type 2 diabetes.
  • Amylin is co-secreted with insulin by pancreatic beta cells, and its actions help regulate glucose and energy homeostasis. In individuals with type 2 diabetes, there is often impaired amylin secretion or action, which contributes to the dysregulation of these processes. The reduced ability of amylin to slow gastric emptying, delay nutrient absorption, and suppress glucagon secretion, combined with its diminished effects on appetite and food intake, can lead to the development and progression of type 2 diabetes.
• Evaluate the potential therapeutic applications of synthetic amylin analogues, such as pramlintide, in the management of diabetes.
  • Synthetic amylin analogues, like pramlintide, have been developed as adjunctive treatments for diabetes to help improve glycemic control and weight management. These analogues mimic the actions of endogenous amylin, slowing gastric emptying, delaying nutrient absorption, and suppressing glucagon secretion. By restoring amylin function, they can complement the effects of insulin and help maintain blood glucose homeostasis. Additionally, the appetite-suppressing effects of amylin analogues can contribute to weight loss, which is particularly beneficial for individuals with type 2 diabetes. The use of these synthetic amylin-based therapies represents a promising approach to better manage diabetes and its associated metabolic complications.

Related terms

Insulin:

A hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels by promoting glucose uptake in cells and inhibiting glucose production by the liver.

Glucagon:

A hormone produced by the pancreas that raises blood glucose levels by stimulating the liver to release stored glucose.

Glucose Homeostasis:

The process of maintaining a stable level of glucose in the blood through the coordinated actions of various hormones and metabolic pathways.