Glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) is a pleiotropic intestinotrophic
hormone that we hypothesized could lessen gastrointestinal
inflammation associated with postoperative
ileus (POI). To test this idea, the prophylactic timing and dose of a long-acting variant of human GLP-2 linked to the Fc portion of murine
immunoglobulin G (
IgG) (GLP-2/
IgG) was optimized in a murine model of POI. Surgically treated mice received a single dose of GLP-2/
IgG,
IgG isotype control, or
phosphate-buffered saline 1 to 48 h before small bowel surgical manipulation. The distribution of orally fed
fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran and histological analyses of
myeloperoxidase-positive immune cells were determined 24 and 48 h postoperatively. TaqMan quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to determine early changes in
mRNA expression in the muscularis or mucosa. In normal mice, prolonged exposure to GLP-2 increased upper gastrointestinal (GI) transit and mucosal weight. When administered 1 or 3 h before surgery, GLP-2/
IgG reduced the leukocyte infiltrate 24 and 48 h postoperatively and improved GI transit 48 h postoperatively. Surgical manipulation rapidly increased gene expression of proinflammatory
cytokines and
enzymes for kinetically active mediators in the mucosa and muscularis. GLP-2/
IgG2a affected the expression of genes associated with mucosal
inflammation and barrier function. We conclude that prophylactic treatment with a long-acting GLP-2 agonist ameliorates
inflammation and improves intestinal dysmotility associated with surgical manipulation of the bowel. The action of GLP-2 is consistent with a lessening of
inflammation, leading to a more rapid recovery.