Theoretical analysis of the mechanisms underlying the insulinotropic effect of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in pancreatic beta-cells. A gastrointestinal hormone, GLP-1, increases [cAMP] and synergistically enhances glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) in pancreatic beta cells. However, the mechanisms underlying the secretagogue action of GLP-1 have not been clearly elucidated due to involvement of complex interactions among multiple cellular factors. Based on the experimental findings, we thus adopt a strategy of developing mathematical models and perform simulation studies and theoretical analyses to evaluate the quantitative mechanisms underlying the GLP-1-induced increase in membrane excitability and dynamic Ca2+ mobilization, which in turn facilitate GSIS in pancreatic β-cells.