CHRONIC EXENATIDE ADMINISTRATION AND GLUCOSE & LIPID METABOLISM IN LEAN AND OBESE RATS
Exenatide is a synthetic version of the hormone exendin-4. It displays biological properties similar to human glucagons like peptide-1 (GLP1), a regulator of insulin secretion and glucose metabolism. In this study we investigated the effects of Exenatide injection on lipid metabolism and glycogen content in liver and skeletal muscles in lean and obese rats. Rats were divided into 2 groups (20 rats each). One group included lean rats and the other included diet induced obesity (DIO), 10 rats of each group were injected subcutaneously in a dose of Exenatide for 2 weeks. The other rats served as control groups. In all rats, body weight, non esterified fatty acids (NEFA), triglycerides (TG), muscle and liver glycogen were measured. Results showed that, in lean rats, body weight was reduced with increased serum (NEFA), without a change in liver or muscle glycogen content. In obese rats, body weight and serum insulin level was reduced with increased (NEFA) and decreased (TG). Improvement in glucose tolerance with increased liver and muscle glycogen was also present. These data indicate that Exenatide produces a metabolic response on lipid metabolism. Exenatide stimulates lipolysis and enhances glucose storage as glycogen in the liver and skeletal muscles.