Minireview: Finding the Sweet Spot: Peripheral Versus Central Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Action in Feeding and Glucose Homeostasis

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is both a gut-derived hormone and a neurotransmitter synthesized in the brain. Early reports suggested that GLP-1 acts in the periphery to promote insulin secretion and affect glucose homeostasis, whereas central GLP-1 reduces food intake and body weight. However, current research indicates that in fact, GLP-1 in each location plays a role in these functions. This review summarizes the evidence for involvement of peripheral and brain GLP-1 in food intake regulation and glucose homeostasis and proposes a model for the coordinated actions of GLP-1 at multiple sites.