GLP-1 (7-36)

GLP-1 (7-36) amide is an incretin hormone that causes glucose dependent release of insulin by pancreatic beta cells. It is the cleavage product of GLP-1 (1-36) amide peptide. Both GLP-1 (7-36) and GLP-1 (7-37) also play roles in gastric motility (gastric emptying), on the suppression of plasma glucagon levels (glucose production) and possibly on the promotion of satiety and stimulation of glucose disposal in peripheral tissues independent of the actions of insulin. GLP-1 (7-36) has a short half life of less than 2 minutes, and like GIP, is rapidly degraded by the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-4), which is widely expressed in a number of sites, including the endothelial cells of small gut arterioles. DPP-4 degrades GLP-1 (7-36) into the non insulinotropic GLP-1 (9-36) (some studies suggest it may have weak insulinotropic activity). As a result, the majority of GLP-1 (and GIP) is inactivated as an insulinotrope before reaching the systemic circulation.