Exendin 3 (9-39) amide – Hormones

Originally identified in Heloderma horridum horridum (Mexican beaded lizard), exendin-3 shares homology with vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), secretin, helospectin I and II and helodermin. Exendin-3 increases cellular cAMP levels and amylase release from pig pancreatic cells. Truncated exendin-3 is a potent and selective GLP-1 receptor antagonist. It inhibits cAMP production and insulin release induced by GLP-1, exendin-3, and exendin-4. It also blocks the inhibitory effect of GLP-1 on food intake in rats. Exendin 3 (9-39) amide is being considered for clinical use in obese patients. This is based on the extensive and consistent data demonstrating its effectiveness as a tool to improve fasting and postprandial levels of glucose and glucagon.