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  • Glucagon-like peptide-2 enhances intestinal epithelial barrier function of both transcellular and paracellular pathways in the mouse

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Epithelial proliferation and imaging
Glucagon-like peptide-2 enhances intestinal epithelial barrier function of both transcellular and paracellular pathways in the mouse
  1. M A Benjamin,
  2. D M McKay,
  3. P-C Yang,
  4. H Cameron,
  5. M H Perdue
  1. Intestinal Disease Research Program, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
  1. Dr M Perdue, HSC-3N5C, McMaster University, 1200 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, Canada, L6J 3X6. Email: perdue{at}fhs.mcmaster.ca

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) is a recently identified potent intestinotrophic factor. We have evaluated the effect of GLP-2 treatment on intestinal epithelial barrier function in mice.

METHODS CD-1 mice were injected subcutaneously with GLP-2 or a protease resistant analogue, h[Gly2]GLP-2, twice daily for up to 10 days. Saline injected mice served as controls. Jejunal segments were mounted in Ussing chambers. Tissue conductance was measured and unidirectional fluxes were determined for (i) Na+ and the small inert probe Cr-EDTA (both transported via the paracellular pathway) and (ii) the macromolecule horseradish peroxidase (HRP, transported via the transcellular pathway).

RESULTS Mice treated with GLP-2 or h[Gly2]GLP-2 for 10 days demonstrated significantly reduced intestinal conductance and fluxes of Na+, Cr-EDTA, and HRP. Electron microscopy confirmed that GLP-2 reduced endocytic uptake of HRP into enterocytes. Functional changes (evident by four hours) preceded morphological changes (evident by 48 hours).

CONCLUSIONS GLP-2 enhances intestinal epithelial barrier function by affecting both paracellular and transcellular pathways and thus may be of therapeutic value in a number of gastrointestinal conditions.

  • intestinal permeability
  • macromolecular transport
  • growth factors

  • Abbreviations used in this paper

    GLP-2
    glucagon-like peptide-2
    HRP
    horseradish peroxidase
    Isc
    short circuit current
    PBS
    phosphate buffered saline

    • https://doi.org/10.1136/gut.47.1.112

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    • Abbreviations used in this paper

      GLP-2
      glucagon-like peptide-2
      HRP
      horseradish peroxidase
      Isc
      short circuit current
      PBS
      phosphate buffered saline
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