Effects of GLP1R agonists on primary thyroid C-cells

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) is an incretin hormone that promotes glucose-dependent stimulation of insulin and suppression of glucagon secretion, delays gastric emptying, and reduces energy intake. GLP1 also increases β-cell mass via stimulation of β-cell proliferation. The actions of GLP1 are mediated by a GLP1 receptor (GLP1R).

Boess et al. aimed to establish primary thyroid cell cultures of rat and human to evaluate the expression and function of GLP1R in C-cells as functional C-cell response has rarely been demonstrated.

They  succeeded in establishing primary thyroid cell culture systems for rat and human tissue and present data  on the expression of GLP1R, and on the functional response of the cultures toward the GLP1R agonists liraglutide and taspoglutide.

Read full article at Boess et al (2013) Journal of Molecular Endocrinology 50 325-336, DOI: 10.1530/JME-12-0186.