Description and references

Peptide hormone co-secreted with insulin by pancreatic beta cells in response to a meal or other nutrient stimuli. Affects carbohydrate absorption and disposition; modulates the effects of insulin. Major component of pancreatic amyloid deposits characteristic of noninsulin-dependent diabetes and thought to be involved in insulin resistance. Amylin deficiency occurs in insulin-dependent diabetes and may contribute to excessive insulin sensitivity and a heightened tendency to hypoglycemia. Structurally homologous with calcitonin gene related peptide, sharing certain bioactivities such as vasodilation, osteoclast inhibition, and appetite suppression. Isoln from human insulinoma amyloid: P. Westermark et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 140, 827 (1986); from diabetic islet amyloid: idem et al., Am. J. Pathol. 127, 414 (1987); G. J. S. Cooper et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 84, 8628 (1987). Review of bioactivities: B. J. Edwards, J. E. Morley, Life Sci. 51, 1899-1912 (1992); T. J. Rink et al., Trends Pharmacol. Sci. 14, 113-118 (1993). Review of role in insulin resistance: B. Leighton, G. J. S. Cooper, Trends Biochem. Sci. 15, 295-299 (1990); in carbohydrate metabolism: A. Young et al., Biochem. Soc. Trans. 23, 325 (1995). Effects on appetite regulation and memory: J. E. Morley et al., Can. J. Physiol. Pharmacol. 73, 1042-1046 (1995). Review of role in age-related disease and therapeutic potential: G. J. S. Cooper, C. A. Tse, Drugs Aging 9, 202-212 (1996).

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