Resistance of succinic acid dimethyl ester insulinotropic action to exendin (9-39) amide.

Exendin (9-39) amide (Ex [9-39]) was recently proposed for use in the treatment of alimentary or reactive hypoglycaemia. It was indeed found to antagonise the insulinotropic action of GLP-1 in rats infused with the dimethyl ester of succinic acid (SAD). We have now investigated whether, under comparable experimental conditions, Ex (9-39) also opposes the insulin-releasing action of SAD itself. Since this was not the case, Ex (9-39) could be safely used to abolish the incretin effect of GLP-1 without interfering with the control of insulin secretion by circulating nutrients.