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Abstract
Glucagon-like peptide 1 (7-36) amide (GLP-1) and exendin-4 are gastrointestinal hormones
as well as neuropeptides involved in glucose homeostasis and feeding regulation, both
peripherally and at the central nervous system (CNS), acting through the same GLP-1
receptor. Aminergic neurotransmitters play a role in the modulation of feeding in
the hypothalamus and we have previously found that peripheral hormones and neuropeptides,
which are known to modulate feeding in the central nervous system, are able to modify
catecholamine and serotonin release in the hypothalamus. In the present paper we have
evaluated the effects of GLP-1 and exendin-4 on dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin
release from rat hypothalamic synaptosomes, in vitro. We found that glucagon-like
peptide 1 (7-36) amide and exendin-4 did not modify either basal or depolarization-induced
dopamine and norepinephrine release; on the other hand glucagon-like peptide 1 (7-36)
amide and exendin-4 stimulated serotonin release, in a dose dependent manner. We can
conclude that the central anorectic effects of GLP-1 agonists could be partially mediated
by increased serotonin release in the hypothalamus, leaving the catecholamine release
unaffected.