Glucagon-like peptide 2 enhances intestinal epithelial restitution.
BACKGROUND
Glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) is a potent intestinotrophic peptide that enhances recovery following intestinal injury. We tested the hypothesis that GLP-2 acutely enhances intestinal epithelial restitution.


METHODS
Rat jejunal segments were mounted in Ussing chambers. HCl (10 mM) was applied to the mucosal surfaces for 10 min to induce injury. Tissues were then lavaged with modified Ringer's solution and maintained in the chambers for an additional 3 h. Tissues were treated with 10 microM GLP-2 or vehicle alone (control). Electrical parameters were recorded, and tissues were salvaged for morphometric analysis.


RESULTS
GLP-2-treated tissues exhibited a significantly greater recovery of potential difference and resistance (P < 0.05) than did controls. Morphometric analysis revealed that columnar cells covered a greater percentage of the epithelial surface in GLP-2-treated tissues than in controls (P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that GLP-2 acutely enhances intestinal epithelial restitution following acid-induced injury. This novel biological action of GLP-2 may contribute to its therapeutic effect in models of intestinal disease.
Ramsanahie
Anthony P
AP
Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
Perez
Alexander
A
Duensing
Anette U
AU
Zinner
Michael J
MJ
Ashley
Stanley W
SW
Whang
Edward E
EE
D000818:Animals; D017097:Electric Impedance; D004594:Electrophysiology; D053767:Glucagon-Like Peptide 2; D004763:Glucagon-Like Peptides; D006851:Hydrochloric Acid / Q000494:pharmacology; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007583:Jejunum / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D010455:Peptides / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D012016:Reference Values; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects*
D053767:Glucagon-Like Peptide 2; D010455:Peptides; D004763:Glucagon-Like Peptides; D006851:Hydrochloric Acid