Glucagon-like peptide-2 increases sucrase-isomaltase but not caudal-related homeobox protein-2 gene expression

To determine the effect of glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) on sucrase-isoma ltase and caudal-related homeobox protein-2 (Cdx-2) gene expression, male W istar rats were divided into total parenteral nutrition (TPN)-fed and GLP-2 -treated, TPN-fed groups. TPN was given via a jugular line, inserted under anesthesia, for 7 days. The treatment group received 40 mu g/day of GLP-2 i ntravenously with the TPN diet. The small intestine and colon were weighed and measured. Tissue was obtained from the jejunum, terminal ileum, and mid colon. RNA analysis, morphometry, and microdissection were performed. The w eight of the small intestine of GLP-2-treated rats was greater than that of TPN-fed rats (P < 0.001). GLP-2 increased the mean metaphase arrests/crypt in both the jejunum and ileum (P < 0.001). Ileal expression of sucrase-iso maltase was increased by 1.6-fold (P < 0.05). Jejunal expression was increa sed by a similar amount, although not significantly (P = 0.08). There was n o change in Cdx-2 gene expression. Thus GLP-2 can maintain small intestinal morphology and function, but effects on gene expression are not mediated b y gross changes in the level of the mRNA for the homeobox protein Cdx-2.