Luminal glucagon-like peptide-1(7–36) amide-releasing factors in the isolated vascularly perfused rat colon

Abstract

Abstract Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is released from endocrine cells of the distal part of the gut after ingestion of a meal. GLP-1 secretion is, in part, under the control of hormonal and/or neural mechanisms. However, stimulation of the colonic L cells may also occur directly by the luminal contents. This was examined in the present study, using an isolated vascularly perfused rat colon. GLP-1 immunoreactivity was measured in the portal effluent after luminal infusion of a variety of compounds which are found in colonic contents (nutrients, fibers, bile acids, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)). Oleic acid (100 mm) or a mixture of amino acids (total concentration 250 mm), or starch (0·5%, w/v) did not increase GLP-1 secretion over basal value. A pharmacological concentration of glucose (250 mm) elicited a marked release of GLP-1 which was maximal at the end of infusion (400% of basal), while 5 mm glucose was without effect on secretion. Pectin evoked a dose-dependent release of GLP-1 over the range 0·1–0·5% (w/v) with a maximal response at 360% of basal when 0·5% pectin was infused. Cellulose or gum arabic (0·5%) did not modify GLP-1 secretion. The SCFAs acetate, propionate or butyrate (5, 20 and 100 mm) did not induce a significant release of GLP-1. Among the four bile acids tested, namely taurocholate, cholate, deoxycholate and hyodeoxycholate, the last one was the most potent at eliciting a GLP-1 response with a maximal release at 300% and 400% of the basal value when 2 and 20 mm bile acid were administered respectively. In conclusion, some fibres and bile acids are capable of releasing colonic GLP-1 in rats and may contribute to the secretory activity of colonic L cells. Journal of Endocrinology (1995) 145, 521–526