Prior cholecystokinin exposure sensitizes islets of Langerhans to glucose stimulation.

Prior, short-term exposure of isolated perifused islets to cholecystokinin (CCK8S) sensitizes them to subsequent glucose stimulation. This sensitization effect develops quickly and persists long after the removal of CCK8S from the perifusion medium. Continued binding of CCK8S to its receptor on the beta-cell and the increase in glucose metabolism noted with glucose stimulation are essential for the full expression of this response. This sensitization process may play an integral role in the postulated incretin effect of the peptide.