Role of amylin in nutrient intake - animal studies.

The pancreatic hormone amylin is co-secreted with insulin by beta-cells in response to nutrient intake. Studies performed in experimental animals have provided evidence that amylin may have several effects associated with carbohydrate metabolism. Amylin is a potent inhibitor of gastric emptying. This effect appears to require an intact vagus nerve and it is over-ridden by hypoglycaemia. These observations, coupled with the identification of putative amylin receptors in the area postrema of the hindbrain (a region implicated in the regulation of gastric motility) suggest that the effects of amylin on gastric emptying are mediated, at least in part, by the central nervous system. There is also evidence that amylin acts to inhibit food intake, an action which is distinct from its effects on gastric emptying. In addition, amylin has been shown to inhibit amino acid-stimulated glucagon secretion, suggesting that it may reduce endogenous glucose production in the postprandial period.