Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) is an endogenous peptide hormone formed in L cells of the small and large intestine by cleavage of proglucagon in response to nutrient ingestion. In vivo, GLP-2 (43.75 μg twice a day) increases crypt cell proliferation, total weight of the small bowel, and mucosal thickness of the proximal and distal jejunum and ileum in mice. It increases jejunal mucosal surface area and reduces resection-induced decreases in SGLT-1 and GLUT-2 transporter abundance, as well as resection-induced increases in blood glucose levels and body fat loss, in a rat model of distal bowel resection. GLP-2 also increases intrahepatic lipid concentration, hepatic steatosis, and plasma concentrations of cholesterol and triglycerides in mice fed a high-fat diet but has no effect on mice fed a standard diet.
