Background: Glucagon-like peptide-2 is formed from proglucagon in the intestinal L-cells and is secreted postprandially in parallel with the insulinotropic hormone GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), which in addition acts to inhibit gastric motility (enterogastrone effect) by inhibiting central parasympathetic outflow. GLP-2 has no effect on the endocrine pancreas. We here tested the hypothesis that GLP-2 acts as an enterogastrone.
Methods: Fourteen anesthetized pigs with their splanchnic nerves cut were subjected to insulin hypoglycemia, and force transducers were sutured to the antrum to record motility. GLP-2 was infused intravenously in doses from 1 to 6 pmol/kg/min after the onset of antral motility in response to hypoglycemia.
Results: Insulin hypoglycemia invariably and greatly increased the frequency and amplitude of antral phasic contractions. Infusions of GLP-2 dose dependently (1-6 pmol/kg/min) inhibited antral motility. At 2 pmol/kg/min, resulting in plasma GLP-2 concentrations of 102.5+/-19 pmol/l (normal postprandial range, 30-82 pmol/l), the motility index was inhibited by 91%+/-14%.
Conclusions: Both of the intestinal glucagon-like peptides may operate as hormonal transmitters of the ileal brake effect.