The Role of Oxytocin in Regulating Blood Glucose

Insulinotropic effects of oxytocin will be examined in 20 healthy men with body mass index (BMI) < 27 kg/m2, during a graded glucose infusion test with concomitant intravenous infusion of synthetic oxytocin or placebo in a randomized, double-blinded design. This will determine the effect of oxytocin on glucose-stimulated insulin and glucagon secretion. Additional changes in plasma/serum concentrations of C-peptide, glucose, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptid (GIP), glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), and lipids will be assessed.

Inclusion criteria

• BMI 19-25 kg/m2

Exclusion criteria

• Diabetes
• Heart-, liver or kidney disease
• More than 14 units of alcohol weekly, or drug abuse
• Smoking or any kind of nicotine products
• Alanin aminotransferase (ALAT) ≥ 2 × normal range
• Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 ml/min/1,73m2 or creatinine above normal range
• Blood pressure > 140/90
• Hemoglobin < normal range
• Corrected QT Interval (Qtc) >0,45 sec. at electrocardiogram (ECG) at screening
• Known disease in the pituitary gland or previous pituitary surgery
• Any other disease/condition which the trial managers believe may affect participation in the trial