Background and purpose: The incretin hormone, glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1(7-36), is rapidly cleaved by dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) into GLP-1(9-36), and although it is agreed that most, if not all, of the metabolic effects are attributable to the intact peptide, the degree to which the cardiovascular effects are due to the cleavage product is unclear. The purpose of this study was to measure the regional haemodynamic effects of GLP-1(7-36), and determine the extent to which the cardiovascular effects of GLP-1(7-36) were influenced by DPP-4 inhibition and reproduced by GLP-1(9-36). Additional experiments investigated the involvement of autonomic mechanisms in the cardiovascular effects of GLP-1(7-36).
Experimental approach: Regional haemodynamic effects of bolus doses and 4 h infusions of GLP-1(7-36) amide and GLP-1(9-36) amide were measured in conscious, chronically instrumented rats; the influence of DPP-4 inhibition and autonomic blockade on responses to GLP-1(7-36) were also assessed.
Key results: Glucagon-like peptide-1(7-36) had clear regional haemodynamic effects comprising tachycardia, a rise in blood pressure, renal and mesenteric vasoconstriction and hindquarters vasodilatation, whereas GLP-1(9-36) was devoid of any cardiovascular actions. The effects of GLP-1(7-36) were enhanced by DPP-4 inhibition, and the tachycardia and hindquarters vasodilatation were beta-adrenoceptor-mediated.
Conclusions and implications: In conscious rats, the cardiovascular effects of GLP-1(7-36) resemble those of the GLP analogue, exendin-4, and are attributable to the intact peptide rather than the cleavage product, GLP-1(9-36).