Amylin, also known as islet amyloid polypeptide, is a peptide hormone involved in glucose regulation, satiety signaling, gastric emptying, and coordination of nutrient-related endocrine responses. The hormone is released together with insulin from pancreatic beta cells and functions as a complementary regulator of post-meal metabolic adaptation.
Amylin influences appetite regulation, slowing of gastric emptying, suppression of glucagon secretion, and modulation of nutrient absorption rates. Through these actions, it helps coordinate the pace of glucose entry into circulation following meals and contributes to maintenance of balanced metabolic responses. The hormone also participates in communication between gastrointestinal systems, pancreatic tissue, and central nervous system satiety pathways.
Amylin is produced by pancreatic beta cells located within the islets of Langerhans. The hormone is synthesized as a peptide precursor that undergoes enzymatic processing before co-storage and co-secretion with insulin.
Production rises after nutrient ingestion, particularly following carbohydrate intake that stimulates pancreatic endocrine activity. Because amylin is released alongside insulin, secretion patterns closely parallel glucose-responsive beta-cell signaling pathways.
Amylin secretion is regulated primarily by blood glucose concentration, nutrient intake, pancreatic beta-cell stimulation, and incretin signaling pathways. Meal composition and glucose absorption strongly influence release dynamics.
The hormone acts through receptor complexes involving calcitonin receptors and receptor activity-modifying proteins that influence satiety signaling, gastric motility regulation, and glucagon suppression pathways. Interactions with hypothalamic appetite-regulating circuits and gastrointestinal endocrine signaling systems contribute to its physiological effects. Through these integrated metabolic signaling pathways, amylin coordinates nutrient-responsive endocrine adaptation, appetite regulation, gastric emptying, and postprandial glucose homeostasis.
β-cell co-hormone moderating post-prandial glycemia and appetite.
