Glucagon‐like peptide‐2 inhibits antral emptying in man, but is not as potent as glucagon‐like peptide‐1

Abstract Background: GLP‐1 (glucagon‐like peptide‐1) and GLP‐2 (glucagon‐like peptide‐2) are released in equimolar amounts in response to meal ingestion. GLP‐1 inhibits gastric emptying and reduces postprandial gastric and exocrine pancreatic secretion and may play a physiological regulatory role in controlling appetite and energy intake in humans. The role of GLP‐2 is more uncertain. Based on the results of animal studies, it has been suggested that GLP‐2 may induce intestinal epithelial growth and inhibit gastric motility. The aim of this study was to determine to what extent GLP‐2 alone or together with GLP‐1 inhibits gastric emptying and the sensation of hunger in man. Methods: Eight healthy volunteers were tested in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled fashion. Antral emptying of a liquid meal and hunger ratings were determined using ultrasound technology and visual analogue scales scoring during infusions of saline, GLP‐2 (0.5, and 1.0 pmol kg body wt −1 min −1 ), GLP‐1 (0.5 pmol kg body wt −1 min −1 ) or GLP‐1 and GLP‐2 (0.5 pmol kg body wt −1 min −1 ). Results: The GLP‐2 infusions resulted in a dose‐dependent increase in antral emptying time (35%; ns and 75%; P = 0.049) compared to saline, but GLP‐2 was less potent than GLP‐1, which increased the antral emptying time by 192% (P < 0.001). Addition of GLP‐2 to the GLP‐1 infusion did not alter the antral emptying time compared with GLP‐1 alone. The GLP‐1 infusion decreased the sensation of hunger compared with saline (P = 0.023), whereas the two GLP‐2 infusions had no significant effect. Addition of GLP‐2 to the GLP‐1 infusion did not decrease the sensation of hunger further. Conclusions: Both GLP‐1 and GLP‐2 inhibit antral emptying in man, but GLP‐1 is more potent.KeywordsAntral emptyinggastric emptyingglucagon‐like peptide 2glucagon‐like peptide 1hunger