Biochemical and histological effects of exendin-4 (exenatide) on the rat pancreas

J. S. Nachnani, D. G. Bulchandani, A. Nookala, B. Herndon, A. Molteni, P. Pandya, R. Taylor, T. Quinn, L. Weide, L. M. Alba

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

166 Scopus citations

Abstract

Aims/hypothesis: Exendin-4 is a 39 amino acid agonist of the glucagon-like peptide receptor and has been approved for treatment of type 2 diabetes. Many reports describe an increased incidence of acute pancreatitis in humans treated with exendin-4 (exenatide). Previous studies have evaluated the effect of exendin-4 on beta cells and beta cell function. We evaluated the histological and biochemical effects of exendin-4 on the pancreas in rats. Methods: We studied 20 Sprague-Dawley male rats, ten of which were treated with exendin-4 and ten of which were used as controls. The study period was 75 days. Serum and pancreatic tissue were removed for biochemical and histological study. Blood glucose, amylase, lipase, insulin and adipocytokines were compared between the two groups. Results: Animals treated with exendin-4 had more pancreatic acinar inflammation, more pyknotic nuclei and weighed significantly less than control rats. They also had higher serum lipase than control animals. Exendin-4 treatment was associated with lower insulin and leptin levels as well as lower HOMA values than in the untreated control group. Conclusions/interpretation: Although the use of exendin-4 in rats is associated with decreased weight gain, lower insulin resistance and lower leptin levels than in control animals, extended use of exendin-4 in rats leads to pancreatic acinar inflammation and pyknosis. This raises important concerns about the likelihood of inducing acute pancreatitis in humans receiving incretin mimetic therapy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)153-159
Number of pages7
JournalDiabetologia
Volume53
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2010
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
Acknowledgements The authors acknowledge the generous support of the Saint Luke’s Hospital Foundation, Kansas City, MO, USA, for their funding of this study. The authors would also like to acknowledge the help of D. Campbell (University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO, USA) for his valuable suggestions and reviewing and proofreading of this manuscript.

Keywords

  • Amylase
  • Exenatide
  • Exendin-4
  • Lipase
  • Pancreatitis

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Biochemical and histological effects of exendin-4 (exenatide) on the rat pancreas'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this