Characterization of the trophic properties of GLP-2, a novel intestinal growth factor

grantor: University of TorontoThe molecular factors that regulate intestinal growth, development and regeneration remain poorly understood. The experiments carried out in this thesis test the hypothesis that GLP-2 is a novel intestinal growth factor. GLP-2 induces bowel growth in male and female mice of different ages and at least 2 strains of mice. Daily injections over 3 months produced intestinal growth without causing histological abnormalities or tumorigenesis. The GLP-2 effect on bowel growth regresses following cessation of administration. GLP-2 did not cause teratogenic effect when administered to pregnant mice. Twenty-three analogues were screened. and some were more effective than the natural peptide. GLP-2-treated animals had increased crypt cell proliferation rates and decreased apoptotic cells compared to controls. Taken together, the results derived from these studies provide an initial characterization of GLP-2 in physiological and pharmacological aspects and facilitate the understanding of intestinal growth and adaptation.M.Sc