[Effect of glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) on intestinal barrier function in bile duct ligated rats].

Objective: To investigate the effect of glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) on intestinal barrier function in bile duct ligated rats.

Methods: Seventy-two SD rats were randomly divided into three groups: GLP-2 treated group (T), obstructive jaundice control group (C) and sham operation group (SO). Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and caspase-3 expression in the intestinal mucosa were measured by immunohistochemistry staining equiped image analyzing systems (Image proplus Version 4.5), and the height of the intestinal villi was observed and measured with light microscope, in the rats 1, 3 and 7 days after operation.

Results: The expression of PCNA in the intestinal villi of rats in C group decreased significantly (P < 0.05), which was more serious than those in the SO and T groups especially on the third and seventh day after operation (P < 0.05). Compared with the SO and T groups, the expression of caspase-3 in the rats of C group increased significantly. The expression of caspase-3 increased with timeafter operation (P < 0.05). The height of the villi of the rats in C group was shorter than those of the rats in SO and T groups, and it became shorter and shorter day by day(P < 0.05). The height of the intestinal villi of the rats in SO group and T groups had no significant changes post operation.

Conclusion: GLP-2 may stimulate the growth of intestinal mucosa, increase the intestinal mucosa cell proliferation, diminish the number of the apoptosis cells, and protect the intestinal barrier function in obstructive jaundice rats.