Effects of Exenatide on Plasma Glucose and Insulin Concentrations in Alpacas
Background: Exenatide is a degradation‐resistant glucagon‐like peptide 1 agonist used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. It enhances the insulin response to hyperglycemia. Because of a poor insulin response, adult camelids are susceptible to hyperglycemia from stress, glucose administration, or...
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Published in | Journal of veterinary internal medicine Vol. 23; no. 4; pp. 919 - 925 |
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Main Authors | , |
Format | Journal Article |
Language | English |
Published |
Malden, USA
Blackwell Publishing Inc
01.07.2009
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Subjects | |
Online Access | Get full text |
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Summary: | Background: Exenatide is a degradation‐resistant glucagon‐like peptide 1 agonist used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. It enhances the insulin response to hyperglycemia. Because of a poor insulin response, adult camelids are susceptible to hyperglycemia from stress, glucose administration, or energy metabolism disorders. Insulin often is administered to decrease plasma glucose concentration, but this approach has disadvantages such as the risk of hypoglycemia. Noninsulin medications targeting the incretin hormone pathway, such as exenatide, are providing alternate treatment options.
Hypothesis/Objectives: Exenatide will decrease plasma glucose and increase insulin concentrations in alpacas.
Animals: Six healthy adult alpacas.
Methods: After food was withheld for 8 hours, alpacas were given, on subsequent days in a randomly determined order, either 0.2 μg/kg of exenatide or similar volume of isotonic saline SC. Blood samples were collected before and 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105, and 120 minutes after treatment. A rapid dextrose (0.5 g/kg) injection was given after the time 60 samples. Plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were measured at each time point.
Results: Alpacas had significantly (P= < .001–.015) lower plasma glucose and higher insulin concentrations for the hyperglycemic period after receiving exenatide than after saline injections. Colic signs were observed in 5 of 6 alpacas treated with exenatide.
Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Exenatide appeared to increase insulin release and decrease plasma glucose concentrations in hyperglycemic alpacas. These findings are similar to findings in humans and could support therapeutic usage of exenatide in alpacas. However, induction of colic may limit practical application. |
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Bibliography: | ark:/67375/WNG-61BQPFQB-M ArticleID:JVIM335 istex:B7D2F0B68A1B5FE716135FE9BCCD70A84ACE6A43 An abstract of this study was presented at the 2008 Merck Merial Scholars Symposium, East Lansing, MI. All animal work was completed at the Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine Large Animal Teaching Hospital. |
ISSN: | 0891-6640 1939-1676 |
DOI: | 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2009.0335.x |