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Role of Alpha-to-beta Cell Communication to Adapt Insulin Secretion to Insulin Resistance.
Sponsor: David D'Alessio, M.D.
Summary
Glucagon secretion from α-cells has long been viewed as primarily a counterregulatory mechanism - e.g. an agent with a role to prevent blood sugar from decreasing to levels that compromise function. Our group, along with other researchers, have begun to identify a much more complex role for α-cells, raising questions about when and how glucagon may influence blood glucose levels. This proposal looks to detail proglucagon peptide secretion from α-cells and the impact this has on β-cell function and glucose tolerance, in preclinical studies of human islets and translational studies in human subjects. This protocol registration describes Aim 2 from this NIH grant which involves 2 study populations and separate protocols but addresses a common question. Aim 3 in the grant is focused on a separate hypothesis and will be conducted and published separately from Aim 2.
Official title: Alpha to Beta Cell Communication in Health and Disease
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 60 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
30
Start Date
2025-12-30
Completion Date
2027-12
Last Updated
2026-02-05
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Exendin-9 is a 30 amino acid peptide that is an established competitive antagonist of the GLP-1 receptor. Subjects will receive exendin-9 by intravenous infusion at a rate of 600 pmol/kg/min
Subjects in Aim 2A will receive exendin-9 on both experimental days and dexamethasone for one week before their second experimental day. Subjects in Aim 2B will receive exendin-9 on one of their two experimental days.
Dexamethasone
Dexamethasone 6 mg daily
Locations (1)
Duke Center for Living
Durham, North Carolina, United States