Mucosal adaptation to enteral nutrients is dependent on the physiologic actions of glucagon-like peptide-2 in mice

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Our understanding of the intestinotropic actions of glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2)(1-33) is based on pharmacologic studies involving exogenous administration. However, the physiologic role of GLP-2 in mucosal growth and adaptation to nutritional stimulation remains poorly understood. METHODS: The properties of GLP-2(3-33), a GLP-2(1-33) metabolite, were determined in baby-hamster kidney cells transfected with the mouse GLP-2 receptor complementary DNA and in isolated murine intestinal muscle strips. To investigate the role of endogenous GLP-2(1-33) in gut adaptation, GLP-2(3-33) was administered to mice that were re-fed for 24 hours after 24 hours of fasting, and the small intestine was analyzed. GLP-2(3-33) also was injected into rats for analysis of circulating GLP-2(1-33) levels. RESULTS: GLP-2(3-33) antagonized the actions of GLP-2(1-33) in vitro and ex vivo. Fasting mice exhibited small intestinal atrophy (37% +/- 1% decrease in small intestinal weight, 19% +/- 2% decrease in crypt-villus height, and 99% +/- 35% increase in villus apoptosis, P < .05-.01). Adaptive growth in re-fed mice restored all these parameters, as well as crypt-cell proliferation, to normal control levels (P < .05 vs. fasting); these adaptive changes were prevented partially or completely by co-administration of GLP-2(3-33) to refeeding mice (by 32% +/- 19% to 103% +/- 15%, P < .05-.01 vs re-fed mice). Exogenous GLP-2(3-33) did not affect endogenous GLP-2(1-33) levels. CONCLUSIONS: These data show that endogenous GLP-2 regulates the intestinotropic response in re-fed mice through modulation of crypt-cell proliferation and villus apoptosis. GLP-2 is therefore a physiologic regulator of the dynamic adaptation of the gut mucosal epithelium in response to luminal nutrients.     

Induction of intestinal epithelial proliferation by glucagon-like peptide 2.

Injury, inflammation, or resection of the small intestine results in severe compromise of intestinal function. Nevertheless, therapeutic strategies for enhancing growth and repair of the intestinal mucosal epithelium are currently not available. We demonstrate that nude mice bearing subcutaneous proglucagon-producing tumors exhibit marked proliferation of the small intestinal epithelium. The factor responsible for inducing intestinal proliferation was identified as glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2), a 33-aa peptide with no previously ascribed biological function. GLP-2 stimulated crypt cell proliferation and consistently induced a marked increase in bowel weight and villus growth of the jejunum and ileum that was evident within 4 days after initiation of GLP-2 administration. These observations define a novel biological role for GLP-2 as an intestinal-derived peptide stimulator of small bowel epithelial proliferation.     

Dendritic cell-derived IL-2 production is regulated by IL-15 in humans and in mice

Dendritic cells (DCs) are involved in the initiation and regulation of innate and adaptive immune responses. Several molecular mechanisms regulate these diverse DC functions, and we have previously reported that mouse dendritic cells (mDCs) can produce interleukin-2 (IL-2) in vitro and in vivo, in response to microbial activation and T-cell-mediated stimuli. This property is shared by different DC subtypes, including Langerhans cells. Here we show that, on appropriate stimulation, human DCs, both plasmacytoid and myeloid subtypes, also express IL-2. Interestingly, the production of IL-2 by myeloid DCs is induced by T-cell-mediated stimuli and depends on the presence of IL-15. The key role of this cytokine in regulating IL-2 production was also confirmed in the mouse system. In particular, we could show that DCs from IL-15-deficient mice were strongly impaired in the ability to produce IL-2 after interactions with different microbial stimuli. Our results indicate that DC-produced IL-2 is tightly coregulated with the expression of IL-15.     

Splanchnic galactose extraction is regulated by coingestion of glucose in humans

When compared with galactose alone, coingestion of glucose with galactose decreases plasma galactose. The objective of this study was to determine if this was due to increased peripheral clearance or increased first pass clearance of galactose. Five adult volunteers were studied on 2 occasions during infusion of [6,6-(2)H(2)]glucose and [1-(13)C]galactose and ingestion of galactose alone at 11, 22, and 33 micromol x kg(-1) x min(-1) or galactose plus glucose at 11, 22, and 33 micromol x kg(-1) x min(-1) of each sugar. At 33 micromol x kg(-1) x min(-1) of galactose alone (1) plasma galactose increased to 2.3 +/- 0.3 mmol/L and galactose rates of appearance (Ra) to 18.3 +/- 1.6 micromol x kg(-1) x min(-1); (2) plasma glucose and glucose Ra were unaffected; (3) splanchnic extraction of galactose plateaued at approximately 15 micromol x kg(-1) x min(-1); and (4) galactose became the primary source of glucose Ra (75% +/- 9%). Coingestion of glucose and galactose at 33 micromol x kg(-1) x min(-1) each resulted in (1) decreased plasma galactose (0.3 +/- 0.1 mmol/L) and galactose Ra (6.4 +/- 1.8 micromol x kg(-1) x min(-1)); (2) increased plasma glucose and insulin; (3) doubling of splanchnic extraction of galactose; and (4) decreased contribution of galactose to glucose Ra (11% +/- 4%). We conclude that coingestion of glucose with galactose increases the splanchnic extraction, but decreases the conversion of galactose to glucose.     

Gene expression is differentially regulated in the epididymis after orchidectomy

The epididymis is the site for the transport, maturation, and storage of spermatozoa. Regulation of epididymal structure and function is highly dependent on the ipsilateral testis. At the molecular level, however, few studies have been undertaken to determine which genes are expressed in the epididymis under testicular regulation. The goal of this study was to identify genes for which expression is regulated after orchidectomy, both throughout the epididymis and in a segment-specific manner. Microarrays spotted with 474 rat cDNAs were used to examine gene expression changes over the first 7 d post orchidectomy in the initial segment, caput, corpus, and cauda epididymidis of the adult Brown Norway rat. Using k-means cluster analysis, we show that four patterns of gene expression are activated in each epididymal segment over the first week following orchidectomy. Transient up-regulation of gene expression in the epididymis after orchidectomy is described for the first time. Potential androgen-repressed genes, including Gpx-1, show increased expression in the epididymis after orchidectomy. Several glutathione-S-transferases and calcium-binding proteins decline throughout the epididymis after orchidectomy, indicating that these may be novel androgen-regulated epididymal genes. Other genes coding for metabolism-associated proteins, transporters, and alpha-1 acid glycoprotein show segment-specific regulation in the epididymis after orchidectomy. Finally, we describe the expression of the previously uncharacterized heat shock proteins, and apoptosis-associated genes in the epididymis after orchidectomy. Thus, gene expression in the epididymis is differentially affected over time after orchidectomy. These results provide novel insight into androgen-dependent and segment-specific epididymal function.     

Endogenous glucagon-like peptide 1 controls endocrine pancreatic secretion and antro-pyloro-duodenal motility in humans

BACKGROUND: Exogenous use of the intestinal hormone glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) lowers glycaemia by stimulation of insulin, inhibition of glucagon, and delay of gastric emptying. AIMS: To assess the effects of endogenous GLP-1 on endocrine pancreatic secretion and antro-pyloro-duodenal motility by utilising the GLP-1 receptor antagonist exendin(9-39)amide (ex(9-39)NH2). METHODS: Nine healthy volunteers underwent four experiments each. In two experiments with and without intravenous infusion of ex(9-39)NH2 300 pmol/kg/min, a fasting period was followed by intraduodenal glucose perfusion at 1 and 2.5 kcal/min, with the higher dose stimulating GLP-1 release. Antro-pyloro-duodenal motility was measured by perfusion manometry. To calculate the incretin effect (that is, the proportion of plasma insulin stimulated by intestinal hormones) the glycaemia observed during the luminal glucose experiments was mimicked using intravenous glucose in two further experiments. RESULTS: Ex(9-39)NH2 significantly increased glycaemia during fasting and duodenal glucose. It diminished plasma insulin during duodenal glucose and significantly reduced the incretin effect by approximately 50%. Ex(9-39)NH2 raised plasma glucagon during fasting and abolished the decrease in glucagon at the high duodenal glucose load. Ex(9-39)NH2 markedly stimulated antroduodenal contractility. At low duodenal glucose it reduced the stimulation of tonic and phasic pyloric motility. At the high duodenal glucose load it abolished pyloric stimulation. CONCLUSIONS: Endogenous GLP-1 stimulates postprandial insulin release. The pancreatic alpha cell is under the tonic inhibitory control of GLP-1 thereby suppressing postprandial glucagon. GLP-1 tonically inhibits antroduodenal motility and mediates the postprandial inhibition of antral and stimulation of pyloric motility. We therefore suggest GLP-1 as a true incretin hormone and enterogastrone in humans.     

RAG2 is regulated differentially in B and T cells by elements 5′ of the promoter

To study RAG2 gene regulation in vivo, we developed a blastocyst complementation method in which RAG2-deficient embryonic stem cells were transfected with genomic clones containing RAG2 and then assessed for their ability to generate lymphocytes. A RAG2 genomic clone that contained only the RAG2 promoter sequences rescued V(D)J recombination in RAG2-deficient pro-B cell lines, but did not rescue development of RAG2-deficient lymphocytes in vivo. However, inclusion of varying lengths of sequences 5' of the RAG2 promoter generated constructs capable of rescuing only in vivo B cell development, as well as other constructs that rescued both B and T cell development. In particular, the 2-kb 5' region starting just upstream of the RAG2 promoter, as well as the region from 2-7 kb 5', could independently drive B cell development, but not efficient T cell development. Deletion of the 2-kb 5' region from the murine germ line demonstrated that this region was not required for RAG expression sufficient to generate normal B or T cell numbers, implying redundancy among 5' elements. We conclude that RAG2 expression in vivo requires elements beyond the core promoter, that such elements contribute to differential regulation in the B vs. T lineages, and that sequences sufficient to direct B cell expression are located in the promoter-proximal 5' region.     

Dopamine D2-receptor messenger RNA is differentially regulated by dopaminergic agents in rat anterior and neurointermediate pituitary

Hypothalamic dopamine (DA), acting at DA D2-receptors (D2-R) on pituitary target cells, mediates peptide release and biosynthesis of rat pituitary anterior lobe (AL) prolactin, and neurointermediate lobe (NIL) pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC). We were interested in determining if dopamine agonists and antagonists were capable of modifying D2-R gene expression in these pituitary cells. Utilizing the recently published sequence of the rat D2-R, we isolated a rat D2-R cDNA clone by polymerase chain reaction, and have synthesized RNA probes to quantitate levels of D2-R mRNA by solution hybridization/nuclease protection assay. We report here that 5-day administration of the DA antagonist haloperidol led to significant increases in both D2-R mRNA and POMC mRNA in the NIL; the DA agonist bromocriptine caused a significant decrease in NIL POMC mRNA with no parallel change in D2-R mRNA. In contrast, no significant changes in D2-R mRNA in AL were observed following treatment with either the DA agonist or antagonist. These data provide evidence for tissue-specific regulation of D2-R mRNA in response to dopaminergic manipulation.     

Secretion of mediators following T lymphocyte-macrophage interaction is regulated by the major histocompatibility complex.

In this study we show that T cells from mice infected with Listeria monocytogenes can interact in vitro with normal macrophages to produce a number of soluble mediators, including lymphostimulatory molecules. One of these molecules was a 15,000-dalton protein mitogenic for thymocytes. Generation of mitogenic activity was essentially completed by the first 24 hr of culture and did not require the addition of Listeria antigens. Production of mitogenic protein required contact between the lymphocytes and macrophages, because it did not occur when the two cells were separated by a cell-impermeable membrane. Optimal production of mitogenic protein occurred only when the lymphocytes and macrophages shared homologous I-A regions of the major histocompatibility complex. Once generated, the mitogenic protein did not display histocompatibility restriction and could stimulate allogeneic as well as syngeneic thymocytes. Strains of mice with the C57 background responded poorly to mitogenic protein even though those strains were capable of producing it. We conclude that an early stage in T cell immunity to Listeria involves an intimate association with macrophages regulated by the H-2 complex.     

Regulation of islet hormone release and gastric emptying by endogenous glucagon-like peptide 1 after glucose ingestion

BACKGROUND: Exogenous administration of glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 improves glucose tolerance by stimulation of insulin secretion, inhibition of glucagon secretion, and delay of gastric emptying. It is not known which of these effects is involved in the action of endogenous GLP-1 to control blood glucose. To determine the role of endogenous GLP-1 on islet cell function and gastric emptying independent of variable glycemia, we clamped blood glucose before and during glucose ingestion with and without GLP-1 receptor blockade with exendin-[9-39] (Ex-9). METHODS: There were 10 healthy subjects that participated in two experiments each, one a control and one with infusion of 750 pm/kg . min Ex-9. Subjects consumed 75 g oral glucose solution mixed with d-xylose and (13)C-glucose while their blood glucose levels were held fixed at approximately 8.9 mmol/liter. RESULTS: Plasma insulin levels during hyperglycemia alone were similar in the two studies (control, 282.5 +/- 42 vs. Ex-9, 263.8 +/- 59 pmol/liter) but were reduced by approximately 30% by Ex-9 after glucose ingestion (control, 1154 +/- 203 vs. Ex-9, 835 +/- 120 pmol/liter; P < 0.05). Blocking the action of endogenous GLP-1 caused an approximate 80% increase in postprandial glucagon concentrations. The appearance of ingested d-xylose in the blood was not affected by Ex-9, suggesting that postprandial secretion of GLP-1 has only minimal effects on gastric emptying of oral glucose. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that GLP-1 is an incretin in healthy humans at modestly supraphysiological blood glucose levels. The primary effect of GLP-1 to regulate oral glucose tolerance is mediated by effects on islet hormones and not on gastric emptying.     

In vivo and in vitro degradation of glucagon-like peptide-2 in humans

Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2), an intestinal product of glucagon gene expression which induces intestinal growth in mice, has been proposed as a treatment for intestinal insufficiency. GLP-2 is metabolized extensively by dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) in rats, but less is known about its fate in humans. Therefore, GLP-2 metabolism was investigated in healthy volunteers after 1) a 500-Cal mixed meal (n = 6), 2) iv infusion of synthetic human GLP-2 (0.8 pmol/kg x min; n = 8), 3) a sc bolus injection (400 microg; n = 9), and 4) in vitro incubation in plasma and blood (1,000 pmol/L; n = 4). GLP-2 concentrations were determined by N-terminal RIA measuring only intact GLP-2, side-viewing RIA measuring intact and degraded forms [e.g. GLP-2-(3-33) arising from DPP-IV degradation], and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Meal ingestion elevated plasma GLP-2 (intact, 16 +/- 3 to 73 +/- 10 pmol/L at 90 min), and HPLC revealed two immunoreactive components: intact GLP-2 (57 +/- 2%) and GLP-2-(3-33). GLP-2 infusion increased plasma levels [intact, 9 +/- 4 to 131 +/- 11 pmol/L; total, 23 +/- 7 to 350 +/- 18 pmol/L; the differences represent GLP-2-(3-33)]. The elimination t(1/2) values were 7.2 +/- 2 min (intact GLP-2) and 27.4 +/- 5.4 min [GLP-2-(3-33)], and MCRs were 6.8 +/- 0.6 and 1.9 +/- 0.3 mL/kg x min, respectively. Subcutaneous injection increased intact GLP-2 to maximally 1,493 +/- 250 pmol/L at 45 min, whereas total GLP-2 increased to 2,793 +/- 477 pmol/L at 90 min. At 60 min, plasma contained 69 +/- 1% intact GLP-2. In vitro the t(1/2) values were 8.0 +/- 1.5 h (plasma) and 3.3 +/- 0.3 h (blood). GLP-2-(3-33) was the only degradation product identified by HPLC, and a DPP-IV inhibitor abolished the degradation of GLP-2 in vitro. We conclude that GLP-2 is extensively degraded to GLP-2-(3-33) in humans, presumably by DPP-IV. Nevertheless, 69% remains intact 1 h after GLP-2 injection, supporting the possibility of sc use in patients with intestinal insufficiency.     

The transcription of corticotropin-releasing hormone in human endometrial cells is regulated by cytokines

Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), a hypothalamic neuropeptide, is also produced in the human endometrium where it participates in local inflammatory phenomena associated with the decidualization of endometrial stroma and the implantation of the fertilized egg. The inflammatory cytokines interleukin 1 (IL-1), IL-6 and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) appear to be the dominant local regulators of these intrauterine inflammatory processes. In the present study we have examined the direct interactions between cytokines and CRH in the endometrium. For this purpose we have measured the effects of IL-1, IL-6 and LIF on the activity of CRH promoter inserted in human endometrial cells in culture. Homologous transient transfection experiments were conducted employing a 0.9-kb fragment of the 5' flanking region of the human CRH gene coupled to the luciferase reporter gene, using Ishikawa human endometrial cells. We have found that IL-1beta increased the activity of CRH gene promoter, in a time- and dose-dependent manner. This effect was antagonized by the IL-1 receptor antagonist IL-1ra and blocked completely by the cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor indomethacin. Similarly, IL-6 increased the activity of CRH promoter in a dose-dependent fashion, an effect partially reversed by indomethacin. LIF did not have any apparent effect. In conclusion, our data suggest that IL-1 and IL-6 exert a strong stimulatory effect on the expression of endometrial CRH. This effect is most probably mediated via prostaglandins. Based on these data we hypothesize that in the human endometrium interleukins, prostaglandins and CRH form a local network regulating the inflammatory phenomena taking place within the uterine cavity.     

Expression cloning of the pancreatic beta cell receptor for the gluco-incretin hormone glucagon-like peptide 1.

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is a hormone derived from the preproglucagon molecule and is secreted by intestinal L cells. It is the most potent stimulator of glucose-induced insulin secretion and also suppresses in vivo acid secretion by gastric glands. A cDNA for the GLP-1 receptor was isolated by transient expression of a rat pancreatic islet cDNA library into COS cells; this was followed by binding of radiolabeled GLP-1 and screening by photographic emulsion autoradiography. The receptor transfected into COS cells binds GLP-1 with high affinity and is coupled to activation of adenylate cyclase. The receptor binds specifically GLP-1 and does not bind peptides of related structure and similar function, such as glucagon, gastric inhibitory peptide, vasoactive intestinal peptide, or secretin. The receptor is 463 amino acids long and contains seven transmembrane domains. Sequence homology is found only with the receptors for secretin, calcitonin, and parathyroid hormone, which form a newly characterized family of G-coupled receptors.     

Prototypic G protein-coupled receptor for the intestinotrophic factor glucagon-like peptide 2

Glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) is a 33-aa proglucagon-derived peptide produced by intestinal enteroendocrine cells. GLP-2 stimulates intestinal growth and up-regulates villus height in the small intestine, concomitant with increased crypt cell proliferation and decreased enterocyte apoptosis. Moreover, GLP-2 prevents intestinal hypoplasia resulting from total parenteral nutrition. However, the mechanism underlying these actions has remained unclear. Here we report the cloning and characterization of cDNAs encoding rat and human GLP-2 receptors (GLP-2R), a G protein-coupled receptor superfamily member expressed in the gut and closely related to the glucagon and GLP-1 receptors. The human GLP-2R gene maps to chromosome 17p13.3. Cells expressing the GLP-2R responded to GLP-2, but not GLP-1 or related peptides, with increased cAMP production (EC₅₀ = 0.58 nM) and displayed saturable high-affinity radioligand binding (K_d = 0.57 nM), which could be displaced by synthetic rat GLP-2 (K_i = 0.06 nM). GLP-2 analogs that activated GLP-2R signal transduction in vitro displayed intestinotrophic activity in vivo. These results strongly suggest that GLP-2, like glucagon and GLP-1, exerts its actions through a distinct and specific novel receptor expressed in its principal target tissue, the gastrointestinal tract.     

Regulation of gastric emptying by ileal nutrients in humans

Studies were carried out in 25 healthy male volunteers to investigate the effect of ileal infusion of solutions of different nutrient composition and osmolality on the profiles of a radiolabeled solid meal emptying from the stomach. Ileal infusion of a 50% corn oil emulsion or a 20% oleic acid emulsion slowed the rate of gastric emptying compared with ileal infusion of isotonic saline (0.9%). In contrast, infusion of either hypertonic saline (430 mosmol), distilled water, or isotonic solutions containing protein hydrolysate (8 g%) or glucose (50 mM) had no effect on the gastric emptying profile. These experiments support the hypothesis that the presence of unabsorbed lipid or fatty acids in the distal small intestine may delay gastric emptying, but suggest that sugars and proteins are ineffective. As infusion of both protein hydrolysates and lipid into the ileum can delay small bowel transit in humans, the data suggest that ileal regulation of gastric emptying and small bowel transit may be mediated by different mechanisms.     

Adrenergic modulation of NMDA receptors in prefrontal cortex is differentially regulated by RGS proteins and spinophilin

The noradrenergic system in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) is involved in many physiological and psychological processes, including working memory and mood control. To understand the functions of the noradrenergic system, we examined the regulation of NMDA receptors (NMDARs), key players in cognition and emotion, by alpha1- and alpha2-adrenergic receptors (alpha1-ARs, alpha2-ARs) in PFC pyramidal neurons. Applying norepinephrine or a norepinephrine transporter inhibitor reduced the amplitude but not paired-pulse ratio of NMDAR-mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSC) in PFC slices. Specific alpha1-AR or alpha2-AR agonists also decreased NMDAR-EPSC amplitude and whole-cell NMDAR current amplitude in dissociated PFC neurons. The alpha1-AR effect depended on the phospholipase C-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-Ca(2+) pathway, whereas the alpha2-AR effect depended on protein kinase A and the microtubule-based transport of NMDARs that is regulated by ERK signaling. Furthermore, two members of the RGS family, RGS2 and RGS4, were found to down-regulate the effect of alpha1-AR on NMDAR currents, whereas only RGS4 was involved in inhibiting alpha2-AR regulation of NMDAR currents. The regulating effects of RGS2/4 on alpha1-AR signaling were lost in mutant mice lacking spinophilin, which binds several RGS members and G protein-coupled receptors, whereas the effect of RGS4 on alpha2-AR signaling was not altered in spinophilin-knockout mice. Our work suggests that activation of alpha1-ARs or alpha2-ARs suppresses NMDAR currents in PFC neurons by distinct mechanisms. The effect of alpha1-ARs is modified by RGS2/4 that are recruited to the receptor complex by spinophilin, whereas the effect of alpha2-ARs is modified by RGS4 independent of spinophilin.