Different gut sensory nerves separately influence eating and blood sugar control

Gut-innervating, glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP1R)-expressing vagal afferents relay signals that influence meal termination and glucose tolerance.

• Distinct populations of sensory neurons in the gut have specific roles in regulating feeding and glucose levels.
• Activation of GLP1R-expressing vagal afferents sends signals to brain neurons that terminate meals and improve glucose tolerance.
• Inhibition of these GLP1R vagal afferents raises blood glucose levels, even without food intake.
• Stimulating another type of gut-innervating vagal afferent that expresses GPR65 increases glucose production in the liver.
• GPR65-expressing vagal afferents are not involved in regulating feeding behavior but are important for maintaining normal blood sugar levels.

Simplified