The metabolic actions of neurotensin secreted from the gut

Neurotensin (NT) is a 13 amino acid peptide hormone primarily expressed in the brain and in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. NT in the brain is generally considered an anorexigenic neuropeptide, but the potential metabolic actions of GI tract NT have not been investigated extensively. In the GI tract, NT is mainly found in so-called N cells, but is also coexpressed with a number of functionally related hormones including glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and peptide YY. NT, GLP-1, and peptide YY can further be released together in response to a number of different physiological stimuli and can coact on some but not all target organs. In line with the recent focus on developing antiobesity agents targeting more than one signaling pathway, NT may be a candidate for such polytherapy drugs in combination with other gut hormones such as GLP-1.