Glucagon-like peptide-2 stimulates mucosal microcirculation measured by laser Doppler flowmetry in end-jejunostomy short bowel syndrome patients

BackgroundIn animal and human studies glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) has been shown to increase blood flow in the superior mesenteric artery and the portal vein. This study describes the effect of GLP-2 measured directly on the intestinal mucosal blood flow by laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) in end-jejunostomy short bowel syndrome (SBS) patients.MethodsIn five SBS patients with end-jejunostomy a specially designed laser Doppler probe was inserted into the stoma nipple, and blood flow measured directly on the jejunal mucosa for 105 min in relation to no treatment, systemic saline infusion, topical adrenaline application and a subcutaneous injection of 800 μg native GLP-2.ResultsThe GLP-2 injection increased jejunal mucosal blood flow by 79 ± 37% compared to conditions, where no treatment was given (p < 0.001). The significant effect was present at least 105 min. Systemic saline infusion and topical, mucosal adrenaline application did not affect mucosal microcirculation.ConclusionsGLP-2 raises jejunal microcirculation in SBS patients with end-jejunostomy. This may explain the redness and increase in the end-jejunostomy nipple size imminently after commencing GLP-2 injections. The potential beneficial effects of this GLP-2-mediated increase of blood flow in the mesenteric bed should be investigated in clinical conditions other than the short bowel syndrome.

► In SBS patients, an acute increase in the mucosal microcirculation of 79% ± 37% (p < 0.001) was measured after GLP-2 injection.
► GLP-2 increased the mucosal microcirculation for at least 105 min.
► Laser Doppler flowmetry proved to be a reliable method for measuring intestinal blood flow in end-jejunostomy patients.