Glucagon-like peptide-1 (7-36)-NH2: a physiological inhibitor of gastric acid secretion in man.

Glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 (7-36)-NH2 is a peptide found in the mucosal endocrine cells of the intestine, and plasma levels of GLP-1 (7-36)-NH2 immunoreactivity show a rise after the ingestion of a fat or mixed-component meal. We investigated the effects of physiological infusion of GLP-1 (7-36)-NH2 on a submaximal gastric acid secretion in healthy volunteers at a rate known to mimic the observed postprandial rise in plasma concentrations. Corrected gastric acid output decreased to less than 50% and volume output to 33% of stimulated values. After the infusion, the secretion of gastric acid recovered immediately to preinhibition values. These results suggest a novel role for GLP-1 (7-36)-NH2 as a physiological inhibitor of gastric acid secretion in man.