Role of GLP-1

Key messages

• This review revisits the actions of GLP-1, scrutinizing key concepts supporting gut versus extra-intestinal synthesis and secretion.
• GLP-1 has broad actions within the nervous system, gut, kidney, pancreas, heart, and immune system – and in many sites that do not exhibit GLP-1 receptor expression. 
• Several findings highlight the importance of indirect mediators of GLP-1 action as key mechanistic contributors.