(Pro-)Insulin biosynthesis ([3H]leucine incorporation) and insulin secretion were studied in collagenase-isolated rat islets incubated for 3 hours at 1 and 2 mg/ml glucose in the presence of gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP). GIP augmented [3H]leucine incorporation and release of insulin at both glucose concentrations. In a second series of experiments it was found that an amino acid mixture was without influence on the insulotrophic action of GIP. Combined stimulation of insulin release by GIP and glucagon did not result in higher insulin output than observed in the presence of each substance alone. Thus GIP, in contrast to many other gastrointestinal peptides, however similar to glucagon, enhances not only release but also biosynthesis of insulin. This insulinotrophic action can be observed already at a glucose concentration of 1 mg/ml. The results underline the outstanding role which GIP appears to play in the regulation of beta-cell function.