The proglucagon-derived peptide, glucagon-like peptide-2, is a neurotransmitter involved in the regulation of food intake.

The dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus harbors leptin sensitive neurons and is intrinsically connected to hypothalamic nuclei involved in feeding behavior. However, it also receives ascending input from the visceroceptive neurons of the brainstem. We have identified a unique glucagon-like-peptide-2 containing neuronal pathway connecting the nucleus of the solitary tract with the dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus. A glucagon-like-peptide-2 fiber plexus targets neurons expressing its receptor within the dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus. Pharmacological and behavioral studies confirmed that glucagon-like-peptide-2 signaling is a specific transmitter inhibiting rodent feeding behavior and with potential long-term effects on body weight homeostasis. The glucagon-like-peptide-1 receptor antagonist, Exendin (9-39) is also a functional antagonist of centrally applied glucagon-like-peptide-2.

Short-term insulin treatment prevents the diabetogenic action of streptozotocin in rats.

Streptozotocin, which induces diabetes mellitus in experimental animals, has been reported to be taken up by beta-cells by means of the glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) and then reduce the cellular level of NAD+, leading to necrosis of the beta-cells. We investigated the effect of insulin pretreatment on the diabetogenic action of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg). Four groups of rats were studied: 1) a group that received streptozotocin (STZ), 2) a group that received insulin pretreatment and streptozotocin (INS + STZ), 3) a group that received insulin (INS), and 4) a control group (CTRL). Insulin treatment reduced the beta-cell immunoreactivity (IR) of insulin and GLUT2, which, thus, was reduced in INS + STZ rats at the time of streptozotocin injection. In STZ rats, plasma insulin concentrations after 3 weeks as well as insulin concentrations in pancreatic tissue samples were significantly lower than those in CTRL rats [plasma, 274.3 +/- 101.9 vs. 1078.8 +/- 254.9 pmol/liter (P < 0.05); tissue, 0.46 +/- 0.02 vs. 117.0 +/- 28.4 nmol/g (P < 0.01)]. INS + STZ rats did not become hyperglycemic, and the plasma and tissue levels of insulin were higher than those in STZ rats [plasma, 538.3 +/- 80.1 vs. 274.3 +/- 101.9 pmol/liter (P = 0.08); tissue, 0.46 +/- 0.02 vs. 37.90 +/- 2.13 nmol/g (P < 0.05)]. The immunohistochemical findings of insulin IR in the pancreatic tissues were in accordance with the results obtained by RIA. We conclude that exogenous insulin suppresses the expression of GLUT2 and insulin in beta-cells, and this may prevent the diabetogenic effect of streptozotocin.

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibition enhances the intestinotrophic effect of glucagon-like peptide-2 in rats and mice.

Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) induces intestinal growth in mice; but in normal rats, it seems less potent, possibly because of degradation of GLP-2 by the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV). The purpose of this study was to investigate the survival and effect of GLP-2 in rats and mice after s.c. injection of GLP-2 with or without the specific DPP-IV inhibitor, valine-pyrrolidide (VP). Rats were injected s.c. with 40 microg GLP-2 or 40 microg GLP-2+15 mg VP. Plasma was collected at different time points and analyzed, by RIA, for intact GLP-2. Rats were treated for 14 days with: saline; 15 mg VP; 40 microg GLP-2, 40 microg GLP-2+15 mg VP; 40 microg GLP-2 (3-33). Mice were treated for 10 days with: saline; 5 microg GLP-2; 5 microg GLP-2+1.5 mg VP; 25 microg GLP-2; 25 microg GLP-2 (3-33). In both cases, body weight, intestinal weight, length, and morphometric data were measured. After s.c. injection, the plasma concentration of GLP-2 reached a maximum after 15 min, and elevated concentrations persisted for 4-8 h. With VP, the concentration of intact GLP-2 was about 2-fold higher for at least the initial 60 min. Rats treated with GLP-2+VP had increased (P < 0.01) small-bowel weight (4.68 +/- 0.11%, relative to body weight), compared with the two control groups, [3.01 +/- 0.06% (VP) and 2.94 +/- 0.07% (NaCl)] and GLP-2 alone (3.52 +/- 0.10%). In mice, the growth effect of 5 microg GLP-2+VP was comparable with that of 25 microg GLP-2. GLP-2 (3-33) had no effect in rats, but it had a weak effect on intestinal growth in mice. The extensive GLP-2 degradation in rats can be reduced by VP, and DPP-IV inhibition markedly enhances the intestinotrophic effect of GLP-2 in both rats and mice. We propose that DPP-IV inhibition may be considered to enhance the efficacy of GLP-2 as a therapeutic agent.

Glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2), an intestinotrophic mediator.

Glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) is a newly discovered gastrointestinal peptide with 33% sequence homology to glucagon. GLP-2 has attracted interest because of its potent intestinotrophic endocrine/paracrine actions. The peptide, consisting of 33-amino-acid, results from expression of the glucagon gene in the enteroendocrine L-cells of the intestinal mucosa, from where it is released mainly in response to luminal contact with unabsorbed nutrients. In addition to mucosal growth, GLP-2 enhances activities of several intestinal brush-border enzymes, and it delays gastric transit, thereby increasing the intestinal capacity for nutrient absorption. Thus, it appears that GLP-2 serves to ensure an optimal intestinal capacity. The physiological responses following exogenous administration of GLP-2 have been intensely investigated, and these appear to be rather specific for the gut, which is concordant with the localization of the GLP-2 receptor. In addition, treatment with GLP-2 in experimental animal models of several enteropathies indicates that GLP-2 ameliorates most of the observed intestinal abnormalities in these conditions. Following secretion to the blood stream, the intact peptide is degraded rather rapidly by an aminopeptidase. To circumvent the rapid and widespread metabolization of intact GLP-2, degradation-resistant synthetic GLP-2 analogues have been developed together with other approaches, such as inhibition of the GLP-2 degrading enzyme. This is of particular interest with respect to developing GLP-2 into a useful therapeutic agent in conditions with compromised intestinal function, since the first clinical trial has already indicated the potential of GLP-2 treatment in patients with short bowel syndrome.

Skin morphological changes in growth hormone deficiency and acromegaly.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the histomorphology of skin and its appendages, especially eccrine sweat glands, in patients with GH disorders, because reduced sweating ability in patients with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is associated with increased risk of hyperthermia under stressed conditions. DESIGN AND METHODS: A skin biopsy was obtained from 17 patients with GHD treated with GH, five patients with untreated GHD, 10 patients with active acromegaly and 13 healthy controls. RESULTS: The sweat secretion rate (SSR) was significantly decreased in both the untreated (median 41 mg/30 min, range 9-79 mg/30 min) and the GH-treated (median 98 mg/30 min, range 28-147 mg/30 min) patients with GHD compared with that in controls (median 119 mg/30 min, range 90-189 mg/30 min; P=0.001 and 0.01 respectively). Epidermal thickness was significantly decreased in both untreated (median 39 microm, range 28-55 microm) and GH-treated patients with GHD (median 53 microm, range 37-100 microm), compared with that in controls (median 66 microm, range 40-111 microm; P<0.02). A statistically non-significant tendency towards thinner epidermis (median 59 microm, range 33-83 microm) was recorded in acromegalic patients (P=0.08) compared with controls. There was no significant difference in the area of the sebaceous glands in the biopsies between the three groups and the controls. The area of eccrine sweat gland glomeruli was significantly decreased in the untreated patients with GHD (median 16407 microm2, range 12758-43976 microm2) compared with that in controls (median 29446 microm2, range 13511-128661 microm2; P=0.03), but there was no significant difference between the GH-treated patients with GHD and controls. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that GH, either directly or via IGF-I, may have both a structural and a functional effect on human skin and its appendages, and that patients with GHD have histomorphological changes in skin compared with controls. Importantly, these changes are not fully reversed despite long-term and adequate GH treatment in patients with childhood onset GHD.

Potential targets for glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) in the rat: distribution and binding of i.v. injected (125)I-GLP-2.

Glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) is a 33-amino acid (1-33) intestinotrophic peptide. In this study, the distribution and binding of i.v. injected radiolabeled GLP-2 (1-33) were investigated in rats using autoradiography in order to target possible binding sites. The major part of (125)I-GLP-2 (1-33) was distributed to kidneys, liver, and the gastrointestinal tract. In the small intestine, a high density of grains was localized in the epithelium with a predominance in the luminal part of the villus. The saturability of (125)I-GLP-2 (1-33) was investigated by administration of excess amounts of non-radioactive GLP-2 (1-33) or the primary metabolite of GLP-2 degradation, GLP-2 (3-33). In the small intestine, (125)I-GLP-2 was displaced both by non-radioactive GLP-2 (1-33) and (3-33), suggesting that the uptake of GLP-2 (1-33) in the small intestine is receptor-specific and that the metabolite GLP-2 (3-33) may interact with the GLP-2 receptor.

Renal content and output of epidermal growth factor in long-term adrenergic agonist-treated rats.

This study investigates the renal and urinary levels of epidermal growth factor (EGF) in rats under long-term treatment with alpha- or beta-adrenergic agonists. Urine samples were obtained on days 7, 14 and 21, and renal tissue samples on day 21. EGF was quantified by ELISA and tissue sections were used for immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. Fractional kidney weight was increased in the alpha-adrenergic agonist-treated group by 35% when compared with controls. Histological examination of the kidney revealed well-defined wedge-shaped areas of tubular dilatations and luminal amorphous material in the distal tubules. Concomitantly, reduced levels of EGF and EGF mRNA were observed, and also the urinary levels of EGF were reduced. Together, these observations indicate alpha-adrenergic treatment to affect the distal tubules. Treatment with the beta-adrenergic agonist did not change fractional kidney weight, but initially the urinary excretion of EGF was reduced. The data add further evidence to the suggestion that activity of the sympathetic nervous system influences renal homeostasis of EGF, either directly or indirectly through renal histopathological changes.

Injected TFF1 and TFF3 bind to TFF2-immunoreactive cells in the gastrointestinal tract in rats.

Peptides of the trefoil factor family (TFF1, TFF2 and TFF3) are co-secreted with mucus in most organ systems and are believed to interact with mucins to produce high-viscosity, stable gel complexes. We have previously demonstrated that cells in the GI tract possess binding sites to TFF2 and that injected TFF2 ends up in the mucus layer. In the present study, tissue binding and metabolism of parenterally administered human TFF1 and TFF3 in rats were described and compared to the immunohistochemical localization of the TFF peptides. 125I-TFF1 monomer and 125I-TFF3 mono- and dimer were given intravenously to female Wistar rats. The tissue distribution was assessed by gamma counting of organ samples and by autoradiography of histological sections. The degradation of 125I-TFF3 was studied by means of trichloracetic acid (TCA) precipitation and the saturability of the binding by administration of excess unlabelled peptide. The TFF peptides were localized in histologic sections from the GI tract by immunohistochemistry. Injected TFF3 dimer (12%) was taken up by the GI tract. At autoradiography, grains were localized to the same cells that were immunoreactive to TFF2. The binding could be displaced by excess TFF3. Similar binding was observed for the TFF1 and TFF3 monomers apart from binding in the stomach, where the uptake was only 15% in comparison to the dimer. There was no specific binding outside the GI tract and no binding to TFF1 or TFF3 immunoreactive cells. In conclusion, the TFF2-binding cells in the gastrointestinal tract seem to have basolateral, receptor-like activity to all three TFF peptides. The mucous neck cells of the stomach predominantly take up TFFs with two trefoil domains, indicating a different receptor-like activity in the stomach compared to the rest of the GI tract.

Time-dependent changes of levels of endogenous epidermal growth factor in submandibular glands, in kidneys, and in urine in rats during systemic treatment with EGF.

BACKGROUND: Exogenous EGF influences the levels of endogenous EGF differently in the submandibular glands (SMG) and the kidneys. The aim of the present study was to examine the time-dependent changes in levels of endogenous EGF during 1-4 weeks of EGF treatment. METHODS: Female rats were allocated into five groups receiving EGF subcutaneously (150 microg/kg/day) for 0 (controls), 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks prior to sacrifice at an age of 12 weeks. At the end of the study period, 24-h urine samples were collected. RESULTS: The weight of the SMG increased during EGF treatment (303+/-33 (controls), 359+/-37 (1 week EGF, P < 0.01), 390+/-30 (4 weeks EGF, P < 0.001) (mg mean+/-S.D.)). The EGF content of the SMG was unchanged after 1 week but threefold decreased after 4 weeks of treatment, respectively. The expression of EGF mRNA was decreased after 1 and 4 weeks as assessed with in situ hybridization. The weight of the kidneys was unchanged after 1 week and increased after 4 weeks of treatment (828+/-105 mg (controls) vs. 935+/-44 mg (4 weeks EGF, P < 0.005)). The renal content and the urinary excretion of EGF were significantly increased by 20-30% only in the group treated for 4 weeks. CONCLUSION: EGF treatment induces a time-dependent decrease in the EGF content in the SMG most likely by reducing the biosynthesis of endogenous EGF. In contrast, the EGF content in kidneys and in urine was unchanged after 1 week and increased after prolonged treatment.

Urinary excretion of epidermal growth factor and Tamm-Horsfall protein in three rat models with increased renal excretion of urine.

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and Tamm-Horsfall protein (THP) are synthesized in the kidneys by the distal tubular cells and excreted into urine. The urinary excretion of these peptides has been suggested as a potential index for distal tubular function. The urinary excretion rates of EGF and THP were examined in three groups of rats with increased renal excretion of urine: uninephrectomy, non-osmotic polyuria and diabetic osmotic polyuria. Twenty-four hour urine samples were obtained after 7, 14 and 21 days. The urinary volume per kidney was doubled in uninephrectomy when compared to controls. There was a seven-fold increase in urinary volume in rats with non-osmotic polyuria and diabetic osmotic polyuria, as compared to controls. Uninephrectomy, non-osmotic polyuria and diabetes all affected the urinary excretion of EGF and THP differently. The EGF excretion in uninephrectomized rats was 60-80% of that of the controls, whereas THP excretion was unchanged, indicating that EGF excretion varied with renal tissue mass. Non-osmotic polyuria caused a five-fold increase in THP excretion but no change in EGF excretion. THP excretion in the diabetic rats was increased three-fold after 21 days when compared to controls, whereas EGF excretion was decreased when expressed per kidney weight. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that EGF and THP were colocalized in the thick ascending limbs of Henle's loops and distal tubules in all five groups of rats. In conclusion, the EGF excretion appears to follow renal tissue mass and seems independent of urinary volume, whereas THP excretion is dependent mainly on urinary volume. This has implications for the use of EGF and/or THP excretion rates as an indicator for distal tubular function.

Epidermal growth factor in mammary glands and milk from rats: the influence of insulin.

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is one of the major growth-promoting agents in milk. Using immunohistochemistry we localized EGF in the mammary glands of lactating rats to the luminal border of the secretory cells. Following proteolytic pretreatment of the histological sections, the EGF-immunoreactivity was revealed homogeneously in the cytoplasm of the secretory cells, which might suggest that EGF is present as a precursor molecule in the mammary glands. Altered glucose metabolism during lactation results in secondary hypoinsulinaemia in the lactating rat. As insulin is also known to affect lactation in several species, we treated normal lactating rats daily with insulin and studied the effect on the composition of milk. A significant increase in the content of total protein and milk fat was observed after a few days of insulin-treatment, as compared to a control group [total protein: 50 (36-97) g/l vs. 42 (35-72) g/l], [milk fat: 35 (22-40)% vs. 29 (23-36)%], [median (range)]. On day 16 the EGF concentration in milk was significantly increased in insulin-treated rats, as compared to controls [2.66 (1.40-5.08) nM vs. 1.98 (1.04-3.16) nM]. A similar significant increase was found for the secretion of the cobalamin-binding protein, haptocorrin (HC) [37.7 (15.8-110.4) nM vs. 23.5 (15.5-70.1) nM]. In conclusion, the highly insulin-sensitive lactating mammary glands were affected by exogenous insulin, since the milk concentrations of EGF, HC, total protein and the fat percentage were increased.

Epidermal growth factor and lung development in the offspring of the diabetic rat.

Fetuses of diabetic mothers who were exposed to excessive glucose show delayed maturation. Under these conditions, altered growth factor expression or signaling may have important regulatory influences. We examined the role of epidermal growth factor (EGF) in lung development and maternal diabetes in the rat. In order to evaluate the possible role of glucose for the expression of EGF and the growth of lung tissue, we performed in vitro studies with organotypic cultures of fetal alveolar cells obtained from control rats. Compared to pups of normal rats, the newborn rats of untreated diabetic rats had reduced body weight, but normal lung weight relative to body weight. The air:mesenchyme ratio and the average size of alveoli per mm(2) lung tissue were reduced. The immunoreactivity (IR) of EGF, which was quantified using a computerized image analysis system, appeared with increased intensity and was associated with a reduced intensity of surfactant protein A-IR. The only difference observed between pups of treated diabetic rats and controls was a decrease in the lung weight:body weight ratio. In organotypic cultures, the presence of 13 mmol/L glucose in the cell media increased immunoreactive staining against EGF, but decreased the incorporation of thymidine as compared to the results obtained with alveolar cells grown in a normophysiological concentration of glucose (3 mmol/L). Addition of EGF increased the thymidine incorporation only in cells grown in 3 mM glucose. These findings may indicate immaturity of the lungs of pups of untreated diabetic rats, and subtle alterations in the lungs of pups from treated diabetic rats. The results also suggest that glucose plays a role in the expression of EGF, and that cells exposed to high concentrations of glucose are less responsive to EGF.

[Glucagon-like peptide 2, a neurotransmitter with a newly discovered role in the regulation of food ingestion]. / Glucagonlignende peptid-2, en neurotransmitter med en nyopdaget rolle i reguleringen af fødeindtagelsen.

We report here that glucagon-like peptide 2(GLP-2) and its receptor constitute a distinct projection system connecting the nucleus of the solitary tract with the dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus (DMH). The DMH contains a dense plexus of GLP-2 immunoreactive fibres and is the only hypothalamic nucleus expressing GLP-2 receptor mRNA. Consistent with this, central application of GLP-2 activates the expression of neurones solely in the DMH. Furthermore, central administration of GLP-2 causes a dose-related, a pharmacologically and behaviourally specific inhibition of food intake in rats. Surprisingly, the alleged GLP-1 receptor antagonist, Exending (9-39), proved a functional antagonist of centrally applied GLP-2. These data implicate GLP-2 as an important neurotransmitter in the regulation of food intake and likely bodyweight. Our data therefore point to the DMH as a crossroad for endocrine and visceral information affecting feeding behaviour.

Epidermal growth factor in rat milk is dependent on insulin.

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) was measured in milk from four groups of rats: untreated diabetic, insulin-treated diabetic, insulin-treated normal and control rats. In the untreated diabetic group the volume of milk, and the concentration of EGF and the total output of EGF were significantly decreased when compared to the control group. In contrast, the total protein concentration in milk from the untreated diabetic rats was similar to the concentration in milk from the control rats. Insulin-treatment of diabetic rats almost completely reversed the decrease in the milk volume and in the concentration of EGF, and thus normalized the total output of EGF. The insulin-treated normal rats which remained euglycemic had a significantly increased concentration of EGF and of total protein without any difference in the volume of milk when compared to the controls. The results indicate that the secretion of EGF from the mammary glands is dependent on insulin and that the decrement in milk-EGF from diabetic rats is selective when compared to the content of protein in milk.

Decreased level of epidermal growth factor in milk from diabetic rats.

Experimental diabetes was induced in rats with streptozocin before mating, and the influence of diabetes on epidermal growth factor (EGF) in milk and on other milk components was studied. Throughout the lactation period, a significant decrease was found both in the production of milk and in the concentration of EGF in milk from untreated diabetic rats compared with an insulin-treated diabetic group and a control group. Thus, the total output of EGF in milk from diabetic rats was considerably decreased. The concentrations of total protein and haptocorrin, a cobalamin (vitamin B12)-binding protein, and the content of fat, however, were unaltered by diabetes. Therefore, the decrease in milk EGF seemed to be selective compared with total protein in milk. The pups of diabetic dams had reduced body weights within 1 wk of lactation and reduced body lengths on d 16 of lactation compared with control pups. Furthermore, the time of eyelid opening was delayed, but no difference in the time of tooth eruption was observed. Insulin-treatment of diabetic rats restored the milk volume and the EGF concentration to values comparable to those of the controls. Pups of the insulin-treated diabetic dams were comparable to the pups of the controls. These results indicate that insulin deficiency in lactating rats causes a decrease in the lactational performance and in the EGF content of milk.

Distribution and metabolism of intravenously administered trefoil factor 2/porcine spasmolytic polypeptide in the rat.

BACKGROUND: Trefoil peptides are secreted by mucus producing cells in the gastrointestinal tract and are supposed to be involved in oligomerisation processes of the mucin glycoproteins in the lumen. Endocrine functions have also been suggested. AIMS: To target possible binding sites for iodine-125 labelled porcine spasmolytic polypeptide (pSP) in an in vivo rat model. METHODS: 125I-pSP was given by intravenous injection to female Sprague-Dawley rats. The distribution of 125I-pSP was assessed by gamma counting of samples of organs and by autoradiography of paraffin wax embedded sections. The degradation of 125I-pSP was studied by trichloroacetic acid precipitation, and the saturability of binding by administration of excess unlabelled peptide. RESULTS: 125I-pSP was taken up in the kidneys and the gastrointestinal tract and was excreted almost unmetabolised in the urine. In the stomach, it could be displaced by unlabelled pSP in a dose dependent manner. Autoradiography showed grains in mucous neck cells, parietal cells, the mucus layer, and the pyloric glands of the stomach; in Brunner's glands and the Paneth cells in the small intestine; and in cells in the lower part of the crypts in the colon. CONCLUSIONS: 125I-pSP from the circulatory system is taken up by mucus producing cells in the gastrointestinal tract. The binding can be displaced by non-radioactive pSP, suggesting the presence of a receptor.

Ureteral growth in animal models with increased renal excretion of urine.

The influence of increased functional load on the macroscopical and histological appearance of the ureter was investigated. Sixty rats were divided into five groups: (1) sucrose-fed rats with non-osmotic polyuria; (2) diabetic rats with osmotic polyuria; (3) uninephrectomized rats; (4) sham-operated control rats; and (5) control rats. The 24-hour urinary volume was measured on days 7, 14 and 21. Growth of the kidney, ureter and bladder was investigated and the histological appearance of the ureter was further evaluated. Diabetic and sucrose-fed rats had comparable polyuria with a seven-fold increase in urinary output. The urinary volume for the remaining kidney was doubled in uninephrectomized rats. After 3 weeks, diabetic rats had increased weight of the kidney, ureter and bladder, sucrose-fed rats had increased weight of the bladder, whereas uninephrectomized rats had increased weight of the kidney and ureter. The cross-sectional area (CSA) of the ureter wall from control rats increased from the proximal to the distal portion. The size of the whole ureter from diabetic rats was dramatically increased, the CSA of the wall of the distal ureter portion being four times that of the controls. The CSA of the ureter wall from sucrose-fed rats was increased only in the distal portion, whereas the ureter from uninephrectomized rats was increased only in the proximal portion. The results demonstrate the importance of differentiating between different portions of the rat ureter when examining histological sections of this organ. Moreover, polyuria per se is shown to induce growth of the bladder and of the adjacent distal part of the ureter, whereas uninephrectomy and diabetes caused growth of the kidney and the upper parts of the ureter, in addition to the growth induced by polyuria.

Diabetic intestinal growth adaptation and glucagon-like peptide 2 in the rat: effects of dietary fibre.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Dietary fibre influence growth and function of the upper gastrointestinal tract. This study investigates the importance of dietary fibre in intestinal growth in experimental diabetes, and correlates intestinal growth with plasma levels of the intestinotrophic factor, glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2). METHODS: Male Wistar rats were randomised to the following groups: two streptozotocin-diabetic and two control groups fed either a fibre-containing or a fibre-free diet for three weeks. Intestinal weight, length, and morphometric data (villus height, villus area, crypt depth) were measured. Blood samples were obtained after two weeks for measurement of GLP-2 and enteroglucagon (glicentin, oxyntomodulin). RESULTS: The mean daily consumption of food in the two diabetic groups was 40% higher than in controls. In diabetic rats fed fibre, the increase in intestinal weight from day 0 to 20 was sixfold greater than that of the controls and small intestine weight per cm length was increased by 50%. In the diabetic rats fed a fibre-free diet, intestinal growth was 30% less than in diabetic rats fed fibre, and intestinal weight increased only threefold compared with controls. Morphometric data showed that the intestinal increase in diabetic rats fed fibre was due primarily to growth of the mucosal layer. Villus height and crypt depth increased 60% and 40% respectively, but by only 20% in fibre-free diabetic rats. The plasma levels of GLP-2 parallelled diabetic intestinal growth, whereas plasma levels of enteroglucagon increased regardless of the extent of intestinal growth. CONCLUSIONS: Intestinal growth in experimental diabetes is strongly influenced by the presence of dietary fibre. The effect may be mediated by GLP-2.

Adrenergic blockade in diabetic and uninephrectomized rats: effects on renal size and on renal and urinary contents of epidermal growth factor.

The present study reports on the effects of adrenergic blocking agents on the renal growth and on the renal content and urinary excretion of epidermal growth factor (EGF) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic or uninephrectomized rats. Diabetic and uninephrectomized rats were allocated to groups treated with either saline or adrenergic antagonists and compared to controls and sham-operated controls, respectively. 24-hour urine samples were obtained on days 7, 14, and 21 and renal tissue samples on day 21. The 24-hour urinary excretion of EGF from controls and saline-treated diabetic rats was comparable. In adrenergic antagonist treated diabetic rats, it was reduced by at least 40% throughout the study period. Uninephrectomy caused a 50% reduction in the urinary excretion of EGF. This was not influenced by treatment with an adrenergic antagonist. After 3 weeks, saline-treated diabetic rats had an increase of 33% in kidney weight when compared to controls. The adrenergic antagonist treated diabetic groups had a significantly lower increase of 15%. Postnephrectomized renal growth was not affected by adrenergic antagonists. The total renal content of EGF was comparable in the saline-treated diabetic group and the control group, but was reduced by approximately 50% in the kidneys from the adrenergic antagonist treated diabetic groups. Renal EGF mRNA levels were also reduced in adrenergic antagonist treated diabetic rats. In contrast to diabetes, the renal growth following nephrectomy was not affected by adrenergic blocking agents. These results provide evidence for fundamental differences between diabetes-related renal growth and that observed in compensation to nephrectomy and suggest a connection between adrenergic activity, renal growth, and EGF in diabetes.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the nipple of the rat mammary gland.

The distribution of nerve fibres immunoreactive to calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) was investigated by immunohistochemistry in nipples and mammary glands from lactating and non-lactating rats and compared to the immunoreactivity of other neuropeptides including substance P (SP), neuropeptide Y (NPY), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and somatostatin (SOM). The study revealed an extensive innervation of the mammary nipples, in which CGRP-immunoreactive (IR) nerve fibres were abundantly present in the epidermis, dermal connective tissue and intralobular connective tissue of the mammary gland parenchyma. Several of the dermal CGRP-IR fibres seemed to follow blood vessels, or formed "ringlet-like" structures. The latter were mostly observed in the dermal connective tissue of the nipple from the lactating rat and may have a mechanoreceptive function, e.g. for the suckling stimuli. The location of SP-IR appeared to be comparable to CGRP-IR, but in fewer fibres. Dense NPY-IR networks of nerve fibres were closely associated with the fascicles of smooth musculature in the core of the nipple base. In contrast, VIP-IR fibres were only sparsely present, and SOM-IR was not detected in the mammary nipples. The immunoreactive content of CGRP and SP was determined by radioimmunoassays. The total amount of immunoreactive CGRP was significantly higher in the nipples from the pregnant and the lactating rats when compared to SP. The maximum concentration of CGRP (65.9 +/- 4.0 pmol/g) measured in the nipples of the pregnant (day 10) rats exceeded almost ninefold the maximum concentration of SP (7.7 +/- 2.0 pmol/g).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)