Peripheral administration of GLP-2 to humans has no effect on gastric emptying or satiety

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) are secreted in parallel to the circulation after a meal. Intravenous (IV) GLP-1 has an inhibitory effect on gastric emptying, hunger and food intake in man. In rodents, central administration of GLP-2 increases satiety similar to GLP-1. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of IV administered GLP-2 on gastric emptying and feelings of hunger in human volunteers. In eight (five men) healthy subjects (age 31.1 +/- 2.9 years and BMI 24.1 +/- 1.0 kg m(-2)), scintigraphic solid gastric emptying, hunger ratings (VAS) and plasma concentrations of GLP-2 were studied during infusion of saline or GLP-2 (0.75 and 2.25 pmol kg(-1) min-1 ) for a total of 180 min. Concentrations of GLP-2 were elevated to a maximum of 50 and 110 pmol l(-1) for 0.75 and 2.25 pmol kg(-1) min(-1) infusion of GLP-2, respectively. There was no effect of GLP-2 on either the lag phase (29.5 +/- 4.4, 26.0 +/- 5.2 and 21.2 +/- 3.6 min for saline, GLP-2 0.75 or 2.25 pmol kg(-1) min(-1), respectively) or the half emptying time (84.5 +/- 6.1, 89.5 +/- 17.8 and 85.0 +/- 7.0 min for saline, GLP-2 0.75 or 2.25 pmol kg(-1) min(-1) respectively). The change in hunger rating after the meal to 180 min was also unaffected by infusion of GLP-2. GLP-2 does not seem to mediate the ileal brake mechanism. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.