The Effects of Glucagon on Renal Regional Blood Flow in Humans Measured by Magnetic Resonance.

This study will investigating the effects of glucagon on renal blood flow in humans using MRI technology. Glucagon, a hormone produced by the pancreas, plays a key role in regulating blood sugar levels. It has been shown to affect renal function, including electrolyte balance and blood flow, especially in conditions like type 2 diabetes where abnormal glucagon levels are common. The study aims to understand how glucagon affects regional blood flow in the kidneys, specifically the cortex and medulla, and whether these effects are mediated by glucagon receptors.

The study will be conducted on 10 healthy male participants aged 20-60 years. It involves three test days where participants will receive either glucagon, glucagon with a GLP-1 receptor antagonist, or placebo. Blood flow, glomerular filtration rate, and other renal functions will be measured using MRI. The study seeks to clarify whether glucagon's effects on the kidneys are linked to changes in regional blood flow and to determine if these effects are mediated solely by glucagon receptors.

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Key information

Conditions

Kidney Diseases Female Urogenital Diseases Female Urogenital Diseases and Pregnancy Complications Male Urogenital Diseases Urogenital Diseases Urologic Diseases

Age range

20 year–60 year

Sex eligibility

Male

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Normal health confirmed through; Interview and Medical examination
Normal values with respect to blood concentrations of fasting plasma glucose, fasting plasma total cholesterol, fasting triglycerides, HDL, LDL, creatinine, liver function tests, and electrolytes
Informed consent

Exclusion criteria

Immunosuppressive treatment in the previous 12 months
Alcohol abuse
Medical treatment with oral glucocorticoids, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, or GLP-1 receptor agonists, which, in the opinion of the principal investigator, may interfere with glucose metabolism
Use of lithium
Medical treatment that affects insulin secretion or the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system
Liver disease (ALT > 2x normal value)
Renal impairment (serum creatinine > 130 µM and/or albuminuria)
Individuals with severe claustrophobia
Individuals with MR-incompatible foreign bodies
Individuals with hypertension

Treatment and study plan

glucagon

Drug

Glucagon infusion at 5 ng·kg-¹·min-¹ from 0-30 minutes and 10 ng·kg-¹·min-¹ from 30-60 minutes.

Glucagon+Exendin9-39

Drug

Glucagon infusion at 5 ng·kg-¹·min-¹ from 0-30 minutes and 10 ng·kg-¹·min-¹ from 30-60 minutes, plus a GLP-1R antagonist, exendin 9-39 (900 pmol·kg-¹·min-¹), given intravenously from -30 to 60 minutes

Sodium Chloride

Drug

Placebo (0.9% NaCl).

Primary outcomes

Blood perfusion of the kidney

Time frame: 7 measurements of 10 minutes each from the start of infusion (time 0) and up to one hour (time 60).

we would like to measure blood perfusion of the kidneys over time

Secondary outcomes

Blood flow of the renal arteries

Time frame: 7 measurements of 10 minutes each from the start of infusion (time 0) and up to one hour (time 60).
blood oxygen saturation of the kidneys

Time frame: 7 measurements of 10 minutes each from the start of infusion (time 0) and up to one hour (time 60).

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Bispebjerg Hospital

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start: 2026
Primary completion: 2027
Study completion: 2027
First posted: Mar 12, 2025
Registry last updated: Oct 3, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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