Amylin and Syndrome‐X

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Abstract
A 37 amino‐acid peptide, amylin, is secreted from the pancreatic β‐cell in response to stimuli similar to those causing insulin secretion. Plasma amylin levels are generally elevated under circumstances where insulin is elevated, including in insulin resistance and in essential (obesity‐related) hypertension. Several of amylin's actions may contribute to key features of insulin resistance and the insulin resistance syndrome (Syndrome‐X). Actions on muscle glycogen metabolism, Cori cycle activity, and endogenous glucose production may contribute to glucose intolerance while amylin's effects to suppress β‐cell secretion could account for the secretory defect observed in early glucose intolerance. Amylin also potently increases plasma renin activity, and could contribute to the hypertension that is associated with obesity and insulin resistance.