The Role of Oxytocin in Regulating Blood Glucose

The Role of Oxytocin in Regulating Blood Glucose

Investigating the effect of oxytocin on pancreatic endocrine functions by determining insulin and glucagon secretion within physiological ranges of plasma glucose.

Insulinotropic effects of oxytocin will be examined in 20 healthy men with body mass index (BMI) < 27 kg/m2, during a graded glucose infusion test with concomitant intravenous infusion of synthetic oxytocin or placebo in a randomized, double-blinded design. This will determine the effect of oxytocin on glucose-stimulated insulin and glucagon secretion. Additional changes in plasma/serum concentrations of C-peptide, glucose, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptid (GIP), glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), and lipids will be assessed.

Inclusion Criteria:

• BMI 19-25 kg/m2

Exclusion Criteria:

• Diabetes
• Heart-, liver or kidney disease
• More than 14 units of alcohol weekly, or drug abuse
• Smoking or any kind of nicotine products
• Alanin aminotransferase (ALAT) ≥ 2 × normal range
• Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 ml/min/1,73m2 or creatinine above normal range
• Blood pressure > 140/90
• Hemoglobin < normal range
• Corrected QT Interval (Qtc) >0,45 sec. at electrocardiogram (ECG) at screening
• Known disease in the pituitary gland or previous pituitary surgery
• Any other disease/condition which the trial managers believe may affect participation in the trial