Description:
A 39-amino acid peptide originally isolated from the salivary glands of the Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum), differs from exendin-3 only in two positions close to the N-terminus. Application of Exenatide causes an increase in acinar cAMP without stimulating amylase release. As an incretin mimetic, Exenatide acts as agonist of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor. As GLP-1, though with prolonged activity, Exenatide augments the postprandial production of insulin and suppresses secretion of glucagon. For this reason, Exenatide has found use as a medication of diabetes II.
Application:
Exenatide is believed to facilitate glucose control in at least five ways:
1. Exenatide augments pancreas response and more appropriate amount of insulin that helps lower the rise in blood sugar from eating.
2. Exenatide also suppresses pancreatic release of glucagon, which prevents hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels).
3. Exenatide helps slow down gastric emptying and thus decreases the rate at which meal-derived glucose appears in the bloodstream.
4. Exenatide has a subtle yet prolonged effect to reduce appetite, promote satiety via hypothalamic receptors.
5. Exenatide reduces liver fat content. Fat accumulation in the liver or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is strongly related with several metabolic disorders.