enteroendocrine cells: 1
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Elucidation of Nutrient Sensing Mechanisms in the Digestive Tract
Regulation of blood glucose by food peptides through their effects on the enteroendocrine system
Hormones secreted by endocrine cells that sense nutrients in the gastrointestinal tract regulate various physiological responses immediately after eating. In the course of studying this mechanism, we found through animal studies that food peptides can promote the secretion of the gastrointestinal hormone GLP-1 and reduce the elevation of plasma glucose levels.
Research
Various gastrointestinal hormones released by enteroendocrine cells that sense nutrients in the digestive tract, play an important role in regulating various physiological responses after meals. We have focused on the gastrointestinal hormone GLP-1, which is known as an anti-diabetic hormone, and found a food peptide (derived from corn) that strongly promotes the secretion of GLP-1. By orally administering this peptide to rats, we found that GLP-1 secretion was promoted and plasma glucose elevation was suppressed. Our research is aimed to elucidate how this peptide is recognized by enteroendocrine cells, and to control postprandial plasma glucose levels and appetite by controlling the secretion of gastrointestinal hormones with various food components.
Tohru Hira Associate Professor
