PEPTIDE YY - A POTENTIAL PROABSORPTIVE HORMONE FOR THE TREATMENT OF MALABSORPTIVE DISORDERS

Peptide YY (PYY) is a 36 amino acid peptide that is released from the endocrine cells of the distal ileum, colon, and rectum following a mea l. PYY is strongly proabsorptive in the small intestine. We studied th e effects of intravenous PYY on colonic water and electrolyte transpor t in awake dogs. Dogs had 20 cm neurovascularly intact colon Thiry-Vel la fistulas (TVF) surgically constructed. Colonic transport was studie d in three experimental groups. Group 1 animals received a standard mi xed meal. Group 2 animals were unfed and received intravenous PYY at 1 00 pmol/kg/hr for two hours. This dose of PYY has previously been show n to simulate the plasma levels of PYY normally seen after a meal. Gro up 3 received intravenous PYY at the same dose in addition to a mixed meal. Our study shows an increase in colonic water, Na+, and Cl- absor ption after a meal (P < 0.05). Infusion of PYY at a 100 pmol/kg/hr was significantly proabsorptive beginning at 60 minutes (P < 0.01). Infus ion of PYY in addition to a meal further increased absorption (P < 0.0 5). PYY is a potent proabsorptive agent in the colon of the conscious dog. PYY, or its analogs, may be useful clinical agents in intestinal. malabsorptive disorders or after bowel resection.