Intestinal Growth in Parenterally-Fed Rats Induced by the Combined Effects of Glucagon-like Peptide 2 and Epidermal Growth Factor

Background: Parenteral nutrition and the absence of luminal feeding result in impaired intestinal growth and differentiation of enterocytes. Glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) have each been shown to have trophic effects on the intestine, and thus have the potential to benefit patients fed parenterally, such as those with intestinal failure from short bowel syndrome. We report studies aimed to determine whether there may be synergistic effects of these 2 peptides. Methods: Rats were established on parenteral nutrition (PN) and infused for 6 days with GLP-2 (20 μg/d), EGF (20 μg/d), or GLP-2 + EGF (20 μg/d of each). These groups were compared with untreated PN-fed and orally-fed controls. Tissue was obtained from small intestine and colon to determine growth, proliferation, and representative gene expression. Results: Small intestinal weight was increased by 75%, 43%, and 116% in the GLP-2, EGF, and GLP-2 + EGF groups, respectively, compared with PN controls (all p < .001). C...