Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Secretion of insulin by beta-cells of the islets of Langerhans is a very complex dynamic process that includes basal and stimulated insulin secretion. Two phases, one early and one late, can be distinguished in insulin secretion. The early phase is characterised by the secretion of preformed insulin granules, lasts about 15 min and is formed by cephalic and gastrointestinal components. The cephalic phase of insulin secretion starts by stimulating visual, olfactory and taste receptors.

The aim of this study is to show to what extent the concentrations of insulin, C-peptide and cortisol are changed by a simple mouth rinsing with a sucrose or sweetener solution.

Methods: Fifteen non-obese voluntary male participants were included in this study. The experiment consisted of mouth rinsing with either a sucrose or aspartate solution or pure water as a placebo. Blood was taken in short intervals of 0, 5, 10 and 20 min. Blood glucose, C-peptide, insulin and cortisol were determined.

ANOVA was used for statistical analysis.

Results: C-peptide and glucose were unaffected, a short-term increase in insulin was observed after the sucrose, but not after the aspartate or placebo. The decline of cortisol level within 20 min was also observed after aspartate or placebo, it was probably caused by stress factors or anticipation.

In conclusion, we proved the contribution of taste to the cephalic phase of insulin secretion.