Co-existence of glicentin and peptide YY in colorectal L-cells in cat and man. An electron microscopic study

Feline Diabetes Is Associated with Deficits in Markers of Insulin Signaling in Peripheral Tissues

Like humans, cats have a strong relationship between decreasing insulin sensitivity and the development of diabetes with obesity. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of impaired insulin secretion and signaling in cats remain largely unknown. A total of 54 client-owned nondiabetic lean (n = 15), overweight (n = 15), and diabetic (n = 24) cats were included in the study. The pancreas, liver, and skeletal muscle were quantified for mRNA and protein abundances of insulin and incretin signaling markers. Diabetic cats showed increased liver and muscle adiposity. The pancreas of diabetic cats had decreased transcript abundances of insulin, insulin receptor, insulin-receptor substrate (IRS)-1, glucose transporters (GLUT), and protein abundance of mitogen-activated protein kinase. In treated diabetics, protein abundance of glucagon-like peptide-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide receptors, total and phosphorylated Akt, and GLUT-1 were increased in the pancreas, whereas untreated diabetics had downregulation of markers of insulin and incretin signaling. In the muscle and liver, diabetic cats had reduced mRNA abundances of insulin receptor, IRS-1/2, and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase, and reduced protein abundances of GLUT-4 and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase-p85α in muscle. We demonstrate that feline diabetes is associated with ectopic lipid deposition in the liver and skeletal muscle, deficits in insulin synthesis and incretin signaling in the pancreas, and impaired insulin signaling in the muscle and liver. These findings have implications for understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms of obesity and diabetes in humans and pets.

Glucagon-like peptide-1: Are its roles as endogenous hormone and therapeutic wizard congruent?

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a peptide derived from differential processing of the precursor for the hormone glucagon. It is secreted predominantly by endocrine cells in the gut epithelium in response to nutrient stimulation. Studies from the last 35 years have given us an idea about its physiological functions. On the basis of some of its many actions, it has also been developed into a pharmaceutical agent for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2DM). It is currently positioned as the most effective anti-obesity agent available and is recommended in both national and international guidelines as an effective second-in line treatment for T2DM, in particular in patients with increased cardiovascular risk. In this review, I first discuss whether the processing of proglucagon may also result in GLP-1 formation in the pancreas and in glucagon in the gut. Next, I discuss the relationship between the physiological actions of GLP-1 and the therapeutic effects of the GLP-1 receptor agonists, which are far from being congruent and generally poorly understood. These relationships illustrate both the difficulties and the benefits of bridging results obtained in the laboratory with those emerging from the clinic.

Middle Ear "Adenoma": a Neuroendocrine Tumor with Predominant L Cell Differentiation

This morphological and immunohistochemical study demonstrates that tumors currently known as "middle ear adenomas" are truly well-differentiated epithelial neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) composed of cells comparable to normal intestinal L cells, and therefore, these tumors resemble hindgut NETs. These tumors show consistent expression of glucagon, pancreatic polypeptide, PYY, and the transcription factor SATB2, as well as generic neuroendocrine markers and keratins. The same L cell markers are expressed by cells within the normal middle ear epithelium. These markers define a valuable immunohistochemical profile that can be used for differential diagnosis of middle ear neoplasms, particularly in distinguishing epithelial NETs from paragangliomas. The discovery of neuroendocrine cells expressing the same markers in non-neoplastic middle ear mucosa opens new areas of investigation into the physiology of the normal middle ear and the pathophysiology of middle ear disorders.

Neuroendocrine Peptides of the Gut and Their Role in the Regulation of Food Intake

The regulation of food intake encompasses complex interplays between the gut and the brain. Among them, the gastrointestinal tract releases different peptides that communicate the metabolic state to specific nuclei in the hindbrain and the hypothalamus. The present overview gives emphasis on seven peptides that are produced by and secreted from specialized enteroendocrine cells along the gastrointestinal tract in relation with the nutritional status. These established modulators of feeding are ghrelin and nesfatin-1 secreted from gastric X/A-like cells, cholecystokinin (CCK) secreted from duodenal I-cells, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), oxyntomodulin, and peptide YY (PYY) secreted from intestinal L-cells and uroguanylin (UGN) released from enterochromaffin (EC) cells. © 2021 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 11:1679-1730, 2021.

Incretin Hormones and Type 2 Diabetes-Mechanistic Insights and Therapeutic Approaches

Simple Summary

When we ingest a meal, our intestine secretes hormones that are released into the bloodstream. Amongst these hormones are the incretins hormones which stimulate the release of insulin from the pancreas which is essential for the regulation of in particular postprandial glucose concentrations. In patients with type 2 diabetes, the effect of the incretins is diminished. This is thought to contribute importantly to the pathophysiology of the disease. However, in pharmacological amounts, the incretins may still influence insulin secretion and metabolism. Much research has therefore been devoted to the development of incretin-based therapies for type 2 diabetes. These therapies include compounds that strongly resemble the incretins, hereby stimulating their effects as well as inhibitors of the enzymatic degradation of the hormones, thereby increasing the concentration of incretins in the blood. Both therapeutic approaches have been implemented successfully, but research is still ongoing aimed at the development of further optimized therapies.

Abstract

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) are secreted from the gut upon nutrient stimulation and regulate postprandial metabolism. These hormones are known as classical incretin hormones and are responsible for a major part of postprandial insulin release. The incretin effect is severely reduced in patients with type 2 diabetes, but it was discovered that administration of GLP-1 agonists was capable of normalizing glucose control in these patients. Over the last decades, much research has been focused on the development of incretin-based therapies for type 2 diabetes. These therapies include incretin receptor agonists and inhibitors of the incretin-degrading enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-4. Especially the development of diverse GLP-1 receptor agonists has shown immense success, whereas studies of GIP monotherapy in patients with type 2 diabetes have consistently been disappointing. Interestingly, both GIP-GLP-1 co-agonists and GIP receptor antagonists administered in combination with GLP-1R agonists appear to be efficient with respect to both weight loss and control of diabetes, although the molecular mechanisms behind these effects remain unknown. This review describes our current knowledge of the two incretin hormones and the development of incretin-based therapies for treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Short communication: Expression of transcripts for proglucagon, glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide, peptide YY, and their cognate receptors, in feline peripheral tissues

Gastrointestinal hormone based therapies are being investigated for treating diabetes in cats; however, the tissue distribution of these hormones and their cognate receptors remain largely understudied. We determined the distribution of transcripts for the gut hormones proglucagon (Gcg), glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (Gip), peptide YY (Pyy), and their receptors (Glp1r, Gipr, Npy2r), in feline peripheral tissues. The Gcg, Gip and Pyy mRNA were expressed in the gut, with higher Gcg and Pyy abundance in the lower gut. Interestingly, Glp1r and Npy2r mRNA were expressed in multiple peripheral tissues including the gut, pancreas and liver, whereas, Gipr mRNA was restricted to the stomach and adipose tissues. The localized mRNA expression of Gcg and Pyy in the gut, but the extensive distribution of Glp1r and Npy2r in several peripheral tissues suggests that these hormones may have pleiotropic physiological functions in cats.

Signaling of free fatty acid receptors 2 and 3 differs in colonic mucosa following selective agonism or coagonism by luminal propionate

BACKGROUND

Propionate exhibits affinity for free fatty acid receptor 2 (FFA2, formerly GPR43) and FFA3 (GPR41). These two G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are expressed by enteroendocrine L cells that contain anorectic peptide YY (PYY) and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), while FFA3 is also expressed by enteric neurons. Few studies have investigated the individual roles of FFA2 and FFA3 in propionate's gastrointestinal (GI) effects. Here, we compared FFA2, FFA3, and propionate mucosal responses utilizing selective ligands including an FFA3 antagonist, in mouse and human colonic mucosa.

METHODS

Vectorial ion transport was measured in native colonic preparations from normal mouse and human colon with intact submucosal innervation. Endogenous fecal pellet propulsion was monitored in colons isolated from wild-type (WT) and PYY-/- mice.

KEY RESULTS

FFA2 and FFA3 signaling differed significantly. FFA2 agonism involved endogenous L cell-derived PYY and was glucose dependent, while FFA3 agonism was independent of PYY and glucose, but required submucosal enteric neurons for activity. Tonic FFA3 activity was observed in mouse and human colon mucosa. Apical propionate responses were a combination of FFA2-PYY mediation and FFA3 neuronal GLP-1- and CGRP-dependent signaling in mouse ascending colon mucosa. Propionate also slowed WT and PYY-/- colonic transit, and this effect was blocked by a GLP-1 receptor antagonist.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

We conclude that luminal propionate costimulates FFA2 and FFA3 pathways, reducing anion secretion and slowing colonic motility; FFA2 via PYY mediation and FFA3 signaling by activation of enteric sensory neurons.

Diversity of enteroendocrine cells investigated at cellular and subcellular levels: the need for a new classification scheme

Enteroendocrine cells were historically classified by a letter code, each linked to a single hormone, deduced to be the only hormone produced by the cell. One type, the L cell, was recognised to store and secrete two products, peptide YY (PYY) and glucagon-related peptides. Many other exceptions to the one-cell one-hormone classifications have been reported over the last 40 years or so, and yet the one-hormone dogma has persisted. In the last 6 years, a plethora of data has appeared that makes the concept unviable. Here, we describe the evidence that multiple hormone transcripts and their products reside in single cells and evidence that the hormones are often, but not always, processed into separate storage vesicles. It has become clear that most enteroendocrine cells contain multiple hormones. For example, most secretin cells contain 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), and in mouse many of these also contain cholecystokinin (CCK). Furthermore, CCK cells also commonly store ghrelin, glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), neurotensin, and PYY. Several hormones, for example, secretin and 5-HT, are in separate storage vesicles at a subcellular level. Hormone patterns can differ considerably between species. Another complication is that relative levels of expression vary substantially. This means that data are significantly influenced by the sensitivities of detection techniques. For example, a hormone that can be detected in storage vesicles by super-resolution microscopy may not be above threshold for detection by conventional fluorescence microscopy. New nomenclature for cell clusters with common attributes will need to be devised and old classifications abandoned.

Loss of stomach, loss of appetite? Sequencing of the ballan wrasse (Labrus bergylta) genome and intestinal transcriptomic profiling illuminate the evolution of loss of stomach function in fish

BACKGROUND

The ballan wrasse (Labrus bergylta) belongs to a large teleost family containing more than 600 species showing several unique evolutionary traits such as lack of stomach and hermaphroditism. Agastric fish are found throughout the teleost phylogeny, in quite diverse and unrelated lineages, indicating stomach loss has occurred independently multiple times in the course of evolution. By assembling the ballan wrasse genome and transcriptome we aimed to determine the genetic basis for its digestive system function and appetite regulation. Among other, this knowledge will aid the formulation of aquaculture diets that meet the nutritional needs of agastric species.

RESULTS

Long and short read sequencing technologies were combined to generate a ballan wrasse genome of 805 Mbp. Analysis of the genome and transcriptome assemblies confirmed the absence of genes that code for proteins involved in gastric function. The gene coding for the appetite stimulating protein ghrelin was also absent in wrasse. Gene synteny mapping identified several appetite-controlling genes and their paralogs previously undescribed in fish. Transcriptome profiling along the length of the intestine found a declining expression gradient from the anterior to the posterior, and a distinct expression profile in the hind gut.

CONCLUSIONS

We showed gene loss has occurred for all known genes related to stomach function in the ballan wrasse, while the remaining functions of the digestive tract appear intact. The results also show appetite control in ballan wrasse has undergone substantial changes. The loss of ghrelin suggests that other genes, such as motilin, may play a ghrelin like role. The wrasse genome offers novel insight in to the evolutionary traits of this large family. As the stomach plays a major role in protein digestion, the lack of genes related to stomach digestion in wrasse suggests it requires formulated diets with higher levels of readily digestible protein than those for gastric species.

Neurotensin Is Coexpressed, Coreleased, and Acts Together With GLP-1 and PYY in Enteroendocrine Control of Metabolism

The 2 gut hormones glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and peptide YY (PYY) are well known to be coexpressed, costored, and released together to coact in the control of key metabolic target organs. However, recently, it became clear that several other gut hormones can be coexpressed in the intestinal-specific lineage of enteroendocrine cells. Here, we focus on the anatomical and functional consequences of the coexpression of neurotensin with GLP-1 and PYY in the distal small intestine. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis, laser capture, and triple staining demonstrated that GLP-1 cells in the crypts become increasingly multihormonal, ie, coexpressing PYY and neurotensin as they move up the villus. Proglucagon promoter and pertussis toxin receptor-driven cell ablation and reappearance studies indicated that although all the cells die, the GLP-1 cells reappear more quickly than PYY- and neurotensin-positive cells. High-resolution confocal fluorescence microscopy demonstrated that neurotensin is stored in secretory granules distinct from GLP-1 and PYY storing granules. Nevertheless, the 3 peptides were cosecreted from both perfused small intestines and colonic crypt cultures in response to a series of metabolite, neuropeptide, and hormonal stimuli. Importantly, neurotensin acts synergistically, ie, more than additively together with GLP-1 and PYY to decrease palatable food intake and inhibit gastric emptying, but affects glucose homeostasis in a more complex manner. Thus, neurotensin is a major gut hormone deeply integrated with GLP-1 and PYY, which should be taken into account when exploiting the enteroendocrine regulation of metabolism pharmacologically.

Circulating concentrations of glucagon-like peptide 1, glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide, peptide YY, and insulin in client-owned lean, overweight, and diabetic cats

Our objectives were to measure plasma concentrations of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP), and peptide YY (PYY) in client-owned newly diagnosed diabetic cats and nondiabetic lean or overweight cats and to determine whether circulating concentrations of these hormones differed between study groups and if they increased postprandially as seen in other species. A total of 31 cats were recruited and placed into 1 of 3 study groups: lean (body condition score 4-5 on a scale of 1-9; n = 10), overweight (body condition score 6-8; n = 11), or diabetic (n = 10). Diabetics were newly diagnosed and had not had prior insulin therapy. Preprandial (fasting) and postprandial (60 min after meal) plasma hormone and glucose concentrations were measured at baseline and 2 and 4 wk. All cats were exclusively fed a commercially available high-protein and low-carbohydrate diet commonly prescribed to feline diabetic patients for 2 wk before the 2-wk assessment and continued through the 4-wk assessment. Results showed that plasma concentrations of GLP-1, GIP, PYY, and insulin increased in general after a meal in all study groups. Plasma PYY concentrations did not differ (P > 0.10) between study groups. Diabetics had greater plasma concentrations of GLP-1 and GIP compared with the other study groups at baseline (P < 0.05), and greater preprandial and postprandial GLP-1 concentrations than lean cats at 2 and 4 wk (P < 0.05). Preprandial plasma GIP concentrations were greater in diabetics than obese and lean (P < 0.05) cats at week 4. Postprandial plasma GIP concentrations in diabetics were greater than lean (P < 0.05) at week 2 and obese and lean cats (P < 0.05) at week 4. Together, our findings suggest that diabetic status is an important determinant of circulating concentrations of GLP-1 and GIP, but not PYY, in cats. The role of GLP-1, GIP, and PYY in the pathophysiology of feline obesity and diabetes remains to be determined.

Effects on GLP-1, PYY, and leptin by direct stimulation of terminal ileum and cecum in humans: implications for ileal transposition

BACKGROUND

We do not have a unified, scientifically tested theory of causation for obesity and its co-morbidities, nor do we have explanations for the mechanics of the metabolic/bariatric surgery procedures. Integral to proffered hypotheses are the actions of the hormones glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), peptide YY (PYY), and leptin. The objective of this study was to obtain blood levels of GLP-1, PYY, and leptin after stimulation of the terminal ileum and cecum by a static infusion of a food hydrolysate in morbidly obese patients undergoing a duodenal switch procedure.

SETTING

University Hospital.

METHODS

Plasma levels of GLP-1, PYY, and leptin were obtained at 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after instillation of 240 mL of a food hydrolysate into the ileum or cecum.

RESULTS

The mean±SD GLP-1 values by cecal stimulation for 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes were: 41.3±23.2; 39.6±21.8; 38.9±19.1; 47.4±22.3; 51.7±27.3 pM, and by ileal stimulation: 55.0±32.8; 83.4±16.1; 78.7±23.8; 84.7±23.5; 76.4±25.6. The mean±SD PYY values by cecal stimulation were: 62.1±24.8; 91.1±32.8; 102.1±39.6; 119.6±37.5; 130.3±36.7, and by ileal stimulation: 73.8±41.6; 138.1±17.7; 149.5±23.3; 165.7±24.3; 155.5±29.1. Percent change in PYY levels increased ~150%, GLP-1 increased ~50%, and leptin decreased ~20%.

CONCLUSION

Direct stimulation of the human terminal ileum and cecum by a food hydrolysate elicits significant plasma GLP-1 and PYY elevations and leptin decreases, peaking at 90-120 minutes. The ileal GLP-1 and PYY responses exceed those of the cecum, and the PYY effect is about 3-fold that of GLP-1. The results of this study question the satiety premise for ileal transposition.

Abnormal rectal endocrine cells in patients with irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder. In a previous study the total number of endocrine cells in the rectum of IBS patients, as detected by chromogranin A, did not differ from that of healthy controls. While the total endocrine cell content of the rectum appears to be unchanged in IBS patients, changes in particular endocrine cells cannot be excluded. This study was undertaken, therefore, to investigate the cell density of different rectal endocrine cell types in (IBS) patients. Fifty patients with IBS (41 females and 9 males) were included in the study. Thirty patients had diarrhoea (IBS-D) and 20 had constipation (IBS-C) as the predominant symptom. Twenty-seven subjects were included as controls (19 females and 8 males). Rectal biopsy specimens were immunostained using the avidin-biotin-complex method for serotonin, peptide YY (PYY), pancreatic polypeptide (PP), and oxyntomodulin and somatostatin cells. The cell densities were quantified by computerised image analysis. The serotonin cell density did not differ significantly, although a type II statistical error cannot be excluded, due to the small size of the sample. The densities of PYY and Oxyntomodulin cells were significantly lower and that of somatostatin were significantly higher in IBS patients than controls. These abnormalities were observed in both IBS-D and IBS-C patients. The abnormalities in the endocrine cells observed in this study in the rectum differed considerably from those seen in the colon of IBS patients. This indicates that caution in using the rectum to represent the large intestine in these patients. These abnormalities could be primary (genetic) or secondary to changes in the gut hormones found in other segments of the gut and/or other pathological processes. Although the-cause-and effect relationship of the abnormalities found in rectal endocrine cells is difficult to elucidate, they might contribute to the symptoms associated with IBS. The densities of PYY and somatostatin cells are potential biomarkers with good sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of IBS.

Enhanced transcription of pancreatic peptide YY by 1α-hydroxyvitamin D3 administration in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice

Peptide YY (PYY) is a peptide hormone secreted from L cells in the intestine in response to food intake that regulates appetite and gastrointestinal function. PYY is also produced in the pancreatic islets. The vitamin D receptor (VDR) is a nuclear receptor for the active form of vitamin D3 that regulates numerous physiological processes. VDR is expressed in the pancreatic islets and pharmacological VDR activation increases PYY expression in mouse peripheral islet cells. Although VDR is present in insulin-producing β cells as well as non-β cells, the role of β cell VDR in Pyy transcription remains unknown. We treated mice with streptozotocin to ablate β cells in the pancreas. Pancreatic Vdr mRNA expression was decreased in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Interestingly, streptozotocin-treated mice exhibited increased basal Pyy expression and 1α-hydroxyvitamin D3 treatment further increased expression. Moreover, 1α-hydroxyvitamin D3 increased mRNA expression of pancreatic polypeptide and decreased that of neuropeptide Y in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice but not in control mice. 1α-Hydroxyvitamin D3 slightly increased mRNA expression of insulin but transcript levels were nearly undetectable in the pancreas of streptozotocin-treated mice. Thus, VDR in non-β islet cells is involved in Pyy expression in the mouse pancreas. The findings from this β cell ablation study suggest a hormone transcription regulatory network composed of β cells and non-β cells.

The role of peptide YY in gastrointestinal diseases and disorders (review)

Peptide YY (PYY) is affected in several gastrointestinal diseases and disorders. Changes in PYY appear to be an adaptive response to alterations in pathophysiological conditions caused by the disease. This applies to gastrointestinal diseases/disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, systemic sclerosis, and post-intestinal resection. By contrast, the changes in PYY in chronic idiopathic slow transit constipation (CST) seem to be of a primary nature, and may be one etiological factor of the disease. Abnormalities in PYY seem to contribute to the development of symptoms present in irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, gastroenteropathy in long-standing diabetes and CST. The changes in PYY could, however, be favorable in some gastrointestinal disorders such as celiac disease, systemic sclerosis and post-intestinal resection state. Investigating changes in PYY in gastrointestinal diseases/disorders could be beneficial in clinical practice, where a receptor agonist or an antagonist can be used as a drug, depending on the condition. Similar to other neuroendocrine peptides/amines of the gut, PYY has broad physiological/pharmacological effects: it can bind to and activate several receptors with independent actions. Thus, in order to use PYY as a drug, receptor-specific agonists or antagonists need to be developed.

Vitamin D receptor activation induces peptide YY transcription in pancreatic islets

Peptide YY (PYY) is a peptide hormone secreted from L cells in the intestine after food intake and regulates appetite and intestinal function. PYY is also expressed in the pancreas, but the mechanisms of regulation of pancreatic PYY expression have not been elucidated. The vitamin D receptor (VDR) is a nuclear receptor for the active form of vitamin D(3) and regulates numerous physiological processes. Because VDR is expressed in the pancreas, we investigated the role of pancreatic VDR activation and found that Pyy is a VDR target gene in the mouse pancreas. Treatment of mice with 1α-hydroxyvitamin D(3) increased plasma PYY levels. VDR activation increased mRNA and protein expression of PYY in the pancreatic islets of mice and pancreatic endocrine cell lines but did not change intestinal PYY expression. 1α-Hydroxyvitamin D(3)-dependent induction of pancreatic and plasma PYY was abolished in VDR-null mice. We identified a functional vitamin D-responsive element in the mouse Pyy promoter using chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, EMSA, and luciferase promoter assay. Thus, Pyy is a tissue-specific VDR target gene. The pancreatic VDR-PYY pathway may mediate a regulatory function of vitamin D in the neuroendocrine system.

Density distribution of free fatty acid receptor 2 (FFA2)-expressing and GLP-1-producing enteroendocrine L cells in human and rat lower intestine, and increased cell numbers after ingestion of fructo-oligosaccharide

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is a multifunctional hormone in glucose metabolism and intestinal function released by enteroendocrine L-cells. The plasma concentration of GLP-1 is increased by indigestible carbohydrates and luminal infusion of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). However, the triggers and modulators of the GLP-1 release remain unclear. We hypothesized that SCFAs produced by bacterial fermentation are involved in enteroendocrine cell proliferation and hormone release through free fatty acid receptor 2 (FFA2, also known as FFAR2 or GPR43) in the large intestine. Fructo-oligosaccharide (Fructo-OS), fermentable indigestible carbohydrate, was used as a source of SCFAs. Rats were fed an indigestible-carbohydrate-free diet (control) or a 5% Fructo-OS-containing diet for 28 days. FFA2-, GLP-1-, and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)-positive enteroendocrine cells were quantified immunohistochemically in the colon, cecum, and terminal ileum. The same analysis was performed in surgical specimens from human lower intestine. The coexpression of FFA2 with GLP-1 was investigated both in rats and humans. Fructo-OS supplementation in rats increased the densities of FFA2-positive enteroendocrine cells in rat proximal colon, by over two-fold, relative to control, in parallel with GLP-1-containing L-cells. The segmental distributions of these cells in human were similar to rats fed the control diet. The FFA2-positive enteroendocrine cells were GLP-1-containing L-cells, but not 5-HT-containing EC cells, in both human and rat colon and terminal ileum. Fermentable indigestible carbohydrate increases the number of FFA2-positive L-cells in the proximal colon. FFA2 activation by SCFAs might be an important trigger for produce and release GLP-1 by enteroendocrine L-cells in the lower intestine.

Twelve weeks treatment with the DPP-4 inhibitor, sitagliptin, prevents degradation of peptide YY and improves glucose and non-glucose induced insulin secretion in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

AIM

To examine the effects of 12 weeks of treatment with the DPP-4 inhibitor, sitagliptin, on gastrointestinal hormone responses to a standardized mixed meal and beta cell secretory capacity, measured as glucose and non-glucose induced insulin secretion during a hyperglycaemic clamp, in patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHOD

A double-blinded, placebo-controlled study over 12 weeks in which 24 patients with T2DM were randomized to receive either sitagliptin (Januvia) 100 mg qd or placebo as an add-on therapy to metformin. In week 0, 1 and 12 patients underwent a meal test and a 90-min 20 mM hyperglycaemic clamp with 5 g of l-arginine infusion. Main outcome measure was postprandial total glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) concentration. Additional measures were insulin and C-peptide, glycaemic control, intact and total peptide YY (PYY) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), and intact glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) and GLP-1.

RESULTS

All patients [sitagliptin n = 12, age: 59.5 (39-64) years, HbA1c: 8.0 (7.3-10.0)%, BMI: 33.2 (29.3-39.4); placebo n = 12, age: 60 (31-72) years, HbA1c: 7.7 (7.1-9.8)%, BMI: 30.7 (25.7-40.5)] [median (range)] completed the trial. Sitagliptin treatment improved glycaemic control, had no effect on total GLP-1, GIP or intact GLP-2, but reduced total PYY and PYY(3- 36), and increased PYY(1- 36) and intact incretin hormones. Sitagliptin improved first and second phases of beta cell secretion and maximal secretory capacity. All effects were achieved after 1 week. No significant changes occurred in the placebo group.

CONCLUSION

The postprandial responses of total GLP-1 and GIP and intact GLP-2 were unaltered. PYY degradation was prevented. Glucose and non-glucose induced beta cell secretion was improved. There was no difference in responses to sitagliptin between 1 and 12 weeks of treatment.

Phosphodiesterase 3B is localized in caveolae and smooth ER in mouse hepatocytes and is important in the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism

Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are important regulators of signal transduction processes mediated by cAMP and cGMP. One PDE family member, PDE3B, plays an important role in the regulation of a variety of metabolic processes such as lipolysis and insulin secretion. In this study, the cellular localization and the role of PDE3B in the regulation of triglyceride, cholesterol and glucose metabolism in hepatocytes were investigated. PDE3B was identified in caveolae, specific regions in the plasma membrane, and smooth endoplasmic reticulum. In caveolin-1 knock out mice, which lack caveolae, the amount of PDE3B protein and activity were reduced indicating a role of caveolin-1/caveolae in the stabilization of enzyme protein. Hepatocytes from PDE3B knock out mice displayed increased glucose, triglyceride and cholesterol levels, which was associated with increased expression of gluconeogenic and lipogenic genes/enzymes including, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c and hydroxyl-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase. In conclusion, hepatocyte PDE3B is localized in caveolae and smooth endoplasmic reticulum and plays important roles in the regulation of glucose, triglyceride and cholesterol metabolism. Dysregulation of PDE3B could have a role in the development of fatty liver, a condition highly relevant in the context of type 2 diabetes.

Glucagon and glucagon-like peptides 1 and 2

The glucagon gene is expressed not only in the alpha cells of the pancreatic islets but also in the endocrine cells of the intestinal epithelium (so-called L-cells), and in certain neurons of the brain stem. Whereas in the pancreas, glucagon, the hyperglycaemic hormone, is cleaved out of the 160 amino acid precursor, proglucagon, leaving behind proglucagon fragments (PG 1-30 and PG 72-158, the so-called major proglucagon fragment (MPGF)) that are probably inactive, the intestinal processing leads to the formation of glicentin (PG 1-69; action uncertain) and glucagon-like peptides 1 (PG 78-107amide, a potent incretin homone, regulating insulin secretion, glucagon secretion, gastrointestinal motility and appetite) and 2 (PG 126-158, a regulator of gut mucosal growth and integrity). The two prohormone convertases PC2 and PC1/3, respectively, are responsible for the differential processing. After their release, the hormones are eliminated mainly in the kidneys, but both GLP-2 and in particular GLP-1, but not glucagon, are metabolized both locally and in the circulation and liver by dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) which inactivates the peptides, suggesting that GLP-1 acts locally rather than in an endocrine manner. A number of transcription factors have been identified that can at least partly explain the differential cellular expression of the glucagon gene as well as the differential tissue-specific processing of the precursor.

Changes of the peptide YY levels in the intestinal tissue of rats with experimental colitis following oral administration of mesalazine and prednisolone

Few studies have reported the changes in the peptide YY (PYY) levels in the intestinal tissue of rats with ulcerative colitis (UC) following oral administration of mesalazine and prednisolone. We investigated the effects of these drugs on the intestinal mucosal PYY levels in a rat model of UC. We confirmed that the PYY levels in the rat intestinal mucosal tissue were high in the lower intestinal tract. The leukocyte count and hemoglobin levels approached the normal values after administering mesalazine or prednisolone to rats treated with 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). The PYY levels in the caecum and colon decreased significantly after administering DSS but increased when mesalazine was administered in a tissue-specific manner. Unlike mesalazine, the PYY levels increased in the ileum in addition to the colon and rectum after administering prednisolone. However, neither of the drugs induced any changes in the plasma PYY levels. These findings indicate that changes in the intestinal tissue PYY levels may be partially involved in the improvement of DSS-induced UC in rats following the administration of these drugs.

A new endogenous form of PYY isolated from canine ileum: Gly-extended PYY(1-36)

We purified and identified the peptide YY (PYY) forms present and determined their levels from a portion of the canine ileum directly adjacent to the cecum by a new extraction method designed to prevent and evaluate degradation of endogenous peptides. We used three reverse phase chromatography steps with radioimmunoassay of fractions for PYY-like-immunoreactivity (PYY-LI). The purified fractions underwent intact protein/peptide mass spectrometry identification and sequencing (i.e. "top-down" MS analysis). This analysis confirmed the identity of a new form of PYY, PYY(1-36)-Gly, which co-elutes with PYY(1-36)-NH(2) through all three of separation steps used. The PYY(1-36)-Gly form represents approximately 20% of the total PYY found in this region of the canine intestine. In addition, we also found that the PYY(3-36)-NH(2) form represents 6% of the total PYY in the canine ileo-cecal junction. The physiological implication of the Gly-extended form of PYY(1-36) warrants further investigation.

The physiology of glucagon-like peptide 1

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is a 30-amino acid peptide hormone produced in the intestinal epithelial endocrine L-cells by differential processing of proglucagon, the gene which is expressed in these cells. The current knowledge regarding regulation of proglucagon gene expression in the gut and in the brain and mechanisms responsible for the posttranslational processing are reviewed. GLP-1 is released in response to meal intake, and the stimuli and molecular mechanisms involved are discussed. GLP-1 is extremely rapidly metabolized and inactivated by the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase IV even before the hormone has left the gut, raising the possibility that the actions of GLP-1 are transmitted via sensory neurons in the intestine and the liver expressing the GLP-1 receptor. Because of this, it is important to distinguish between measurements of the intact hormone (responsible for endocrine actions) or the sum of the intact hormone and its metabolites, reflecting the total L-cell secretion and therefore also the possible neural actions. The main actions of GLP-1 are to stimulate insulin secretion (i.e., to act as an incretin hormone) and to inhibit glucagon secretion, thereby contributing to limit postprandial glucose excursions. It also inhibits gastrointestinal motility and secretion and thus acts as an enterogastrone and part of the "ileal brake" mechanism. GLP-1 also appears to be a physiological regulator of appetite and food intake. Because of these actions, GLP-1 or GLP-1 receptor agonists are currently being evaluated for the therapy of type 2 diabetes. Decreased secretion of GLP-1 may contribute to the development of obesity, and exaggerated secretion may be responsible for postprandial reactive hypoglycemia.

Ghrelin and motilin are cosecreted from a prominent endocrine cell population in the small intestine

CONTEXT

Ghrelin is a novel hormone produced mainly in the gastric body. Hitherto, mapping studies of ghrelin cells covering the entire gastrointestinal (GI) tract in humans have been lacking. Furthermore, the phenotype of extragastric ghrelin cells is not known.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to perform a detailed mapping with specimens from all parts of the GI tract, and colocalization studies to phenotype ghrelin cells along the tract. In addition, mapping of ghrelin cells was performed in porcine GI tract, and the plasma profiles of ghrelin and motilin in blood from the porcine intestine were measured.

DESIGN

Biopsies from patients were obtained during gastroscopy or surgery. Ghrelin cell density and phenotyping was assessed with immunocytochemistry, in situ hybridization, and immunogold electron microscopy. Plasma ghrelin and motilin levels were measured in pigs, fitted with cannulas in the mesenteric vein.

RESULTS

The upper small intestine is unexpectedly rich in ghrelin cells, and these cells contribute to circulating ghrelin. Ghrelin and motilin are coproduced in the same cells in the duodenum and jejunum of both species, and ghrelin and motilin are stored in all secretory granules of such cells in humans, indicating cosecretion. The plasma profiles of ghrelin and motilin in pig were parallel, and a correlation between ghrelin and motilin (r(2) = 0.22; P < 0.001) was evident in intestinal blood.

CONCLUSIONS

The upper small intestine is an important source of ghrelin. The likely cosecretion of intestinal ghrelin and motilin suggests concerted actions of the two hormones. These data may have implications for understanding gut motility and clinical implications for dysmotility and bariatric surgery.

Beta-cell PDE3B regulates Ca2+-stimulated exocytosis of insulin

cAMP signaling is important for the regulation of insulin secretion in pancreatic beta-cells. The level of intracellular cAMP is controlled through its production by adenylyl cyclases and its breakdown by cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs). We have previously shown that PDE3B is involved in the regulation of nutrient-stimulated insulin secretion. Here, aiming at getting deeper functional insights, we have examined the role of PDE3B in the two phases of insulin secretion as well as its localization in the beta-cell. Depolarization-induced insulin secretion was assessed and in models where PDE3B was overexpressed [islets from transgenic RIP-PDE3B/7 mice and adenovirally (AdPDE3B) infected INS-1 (832/13) cells], the first phase of insulin secretion, occurring in response to stimulation with high K(+) for 5 min, was significantly reduced ( approximately 25% compared to controls). In contrast, in islets from PDE3B(-/-) mice the response to high K(+) was increased. Further, stimulation of isolated beta-cells from RIP-PDE3B/7 islets, using successive trains of voltage-clamped depolarizations, resulted in reduced Ca(2+)-triggered first phase exocytotic response as well as reduced granule mobilization-dependent second phase, compared to wild-type beta-cells. Using sub-cellular fractionation, confocal microscopy and transmission electron microscopy of isolated mouse islets and INS-1 (832/13) cells, we show that endogenous and overexpressed PDE3B is localized to insulin granules and plasma membrane. We conclude that PDE3B, through hydrolysis of cAMP in pools regulated by Ca(2+), plays a regulatory role in depolarization-induced insulin secretion and that the enzyme is associated with the exocytotic machinery in beta-cells.

Neuropeptide Y receptors; antisecretory control of intestinal epithelial function

This paper reviews the cellular localisation, mechanisms of release and intestinal absorptive actions of neuropeptide Y and its related peptides, peptide YY, pancreatic polypeptide and major fragments NPY(3-36) and PYY(3-36). While NPY is commonly found in inhibitory enteric neurons that can be interneurons, motor neurons or secretomotor-nonvasodilator in nature, its analogue, peptide YY in contrast, is located in neuroendocrine L-cells that predominate in the colorectal mucosa. Peptide YY is released from these cells when nutrients arrive in the small or large bowel, exerting paracrine as well as hormonal actions. Pancreatic polypeptide is found in relatively few, scattered intestinal endocrine cells, the majority of this peptide being produced by, and released from pancreatic islet F-cells in response to food intake. An introduction to the current pharmacology of this family of peptides is provided and the different types of neuropeptide Y (termed Y) receptors, their agonist preferences, antagonism, and preferred signalling pathways, are described. Our current understanding of specific Y receptor localisation within the intestine as determined by immunohistochemistry, is presented as a prelude to an assessment of functional studies that have monitored ion transport across isolated mucosal preparations. It is becoming clear that three Y receptor types are significant functionally in human colon, as well as particular rodent models (e.g. mouse) and these, namely the Y(1), Y(2) and Y(4) receptors, are discussed in detail. Their presence within the basolateral aspect of the epithelial layer (Y(1) and Y(4) receptors) or on enteric neurons (Y(1) and Y(2) receptors) and their activation by endogenous neuropeptide Y, peptide YY (Y(1) and Y(2) receptors) or pancreatic polypeptide (which prefers Y(4) receptors) results consistently in antisecretory/absorptive responses. The recent use of novel mouse knockouts has helped establish loss of specific intestinal functions including Y(1) and Y(2) receptor-mediated absorptive tone in colon mucosa. Progress in this field has been rapid recently, aided by the availability of selective antagonists and mutant mice lacking either one (e.g. Y(4)-/-, for which no antagonists exist at present) or more Y receptor types. It is therefore timely to review this work and present a rational basis for developing stable synthetic Y receptor agonists as novel anti-diarrhoeals.

Gut hormones, and short bowel syndrome: The enigmatic role of glucagon-like peptide-2 in the regulation of intestinal adaptation

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) refers to the malabsorption of nutrients, water, and essential vitamins as a result of disease or surgical removal of parts of the small intestine. The most common reasons for removing part of the small intestine are due to surgical intervention for the treatment of either Crohn's disease or necrotizing enterocolitis. Intestinal adaptation following resection may take weeks to months to be achieved, thus nutritional support requires a variety of therapeutic measures, which include parenteral nutrition. Improper nutrition management can leave the SBS patient malnourished and/or dehydrated, which can be life threatening. The development of therapeutic strategies that reduce both the complications and medical costs associated with SBS/long-term parenteral nutrition while enhancing the intestinal adaptive response would be valuable.

Currently, therapeutic options available for the treatment of SBS are limited. There are many potential stimulators of intestinal adaptation including peptide hormones, growth factors, and neuronally-derived components. Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) is one potential treatment for gastrointestinal disorders associated with insufficient mucosal function. A significant body of evidence demonstrates that GLP-2 is a trophic hormone that plays an important role in controlling intestinal adaptation. Recent data from clinical trials demonstrate that GLP-2 is safe, well-tolerated, and promotes intestinal growth in SBS patients. However, the mechanism of action and the localization of the glucagon-like peptide-2 receptor (GLP-2R) remains an enigma. This review summarizes the role of a number of mucosal-derived factors that might be involved with intestinal adaptation processes; however, this discussion primarily examines the physiology, mechanism of action, and utility of GLP-2 in the regulation of intestinal mucosal growth.

Interactions between gut peptides and the central melanocortin system in the regulation of energy homeostasis

Genetic and pharmacological studies have shown that the central melanocortin system plays a critical role in the regulation of energy homeostasis. Animals and humans with defects in the central melanocortin system display a characteristic melanocortin obesity phenotype typified by increased adiposity, hyperphagia, metabolic defects and increased linear growth. In addition to interacting with long-term regulators of energy homeostasis such as leptin, more recent data suggest that the central melanocortin system also responds to gut-released peptides involved in mediating satiety. In this review, we discuss the interactions between these systems, with particular emphasis on cholecystokinin (CCK), ghrelin and PYY(3-36).

CART regulates islet hormone secretion and is expressed in the beta-cells of type 2 diabetic rats

Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) is an anorexigenic peptide widely expressed in the central, peripheral, and enteric nervous systems. CART is also expressed in endocrine cells, including beta-cells during rat development and delta-cells of adult rats. We examined the effect of CART 55-102 on islet hormone secretion, using INS-1(832/13) cells and isolated rat islets. In addition, islet CART expression was examined in two rat models of type 2 diabetes: Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats and dexamethasone (DEX)-treated rats. At high glucose, CART potentiated cAMP-enhanced insulin secretion via the cAMP/protein kinase A-dependent pathway. In the absence of cAMP-elevating agents, CART was without effect on INS-1 cells but modestly inhibited secretion of insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin from isolated islets. CART was markedly upregulated in the beta-cells of both diabetes models. Thus, in DEX-treated rats, islet CART mRNA expression, and the number of CART-immunoreactive beta-cells were 10-fold higher than in control rats. In GK rats, the relative number of CART-expressing beta-cells was 30-fold higher than in control rats. We conclude that CART is a regulator of islet hormone secretion and that CART is upregulated in the beta-cells of type 2 diabetic rats.

Glucagon-related peptide 1 (GLP-1): hormone and neurotransmitter

The interest in glucagon-like petide-1 (GLP-1) and other pre-proglucagon derived peptides has risen almost exponentially since seminal papers in the early 1990s proposed to use GLP-1 agonists as therapeutic agents for treatment of type 2 diabetes. A wealth of interesting studies covering both normal and pathophysiological role of GLP-1 have been published over the last two decades and our understanding of GLP-1 action has widened considerably. In the present review, we have tried to cover our current understanding of GLP-1 actions both as a peripheral hormone and as a central neurotransmitter. From an initial focus on glycaemic control, GLP-1 research has been diverted to study its role in energy homeostasis, neurodegeneration, cognitive functions, anxiety and many more functions. With the upcoming introduction of GLP-1 agonists on the pharmaceutical venue, we have witnessed an outstanding example of how initial ideas from basic science laboratories have paved their way to become a novel therapeutic strategy to fight diabetes.

The role of the vagal nerve in peripheral PYY3-36-induced feeding reduction in rats

Peptide YY (PYY), an anorectic peptide, is secreted postprandially from the distal gastrointestinal tract. PYY(3-36), the major form of circulating PYY, binds to the hypothalamic neuropeptide Y Y2 receptor (Y2-R) with a high-affinity, reducing food intake in rodents and humans. Additional gastrointestinal hormones involved in feeding, including cholecystokinin, glucagon-like peptide 1, and ghrelin, transmit satiety or hunger signals to the brain via the vagal afferent nerve and/or the blood stream. Here we determined the role of the afferent vagus nerve in PYY function. Abdominal vagotomy abolished the anorectic effect of PYY(3-36) in rats. Peripheral administration of PYY(3-36) induced Fos expression in the arcuate nucleus of sham-operated rats but not vagotomized rats. We showed that Y2-R is synthesized in the rat nodose ganglion and transported to the vagal afferent terminals. PYY(3-36) stimulated firing of the gastric vagal afferent nerve when administered iv. Considering that Y2-R is present in the vagal afferent fibers, PYY(3-36) could directly alter the firing rate of the vagal afferent nerve via Y2-R. We also investigated the effect of ascending fibers from the nucleus of the solitary tract on the transmission of PYY(3-36)-mediated satiety signals. In rats, bilateral midbrain transections rostral to the nucleus of the solitary tract also abolished PYY(3-36)-induced reductions in feeding. This study indicates that peripheral PYY(3-36) may transmit satiety signals to the brain in part via the vagal afferent pathway.

Peripheral administration of PYY(3-36) produces conditioned taste aversion in mice

Peptide YY (PYY) is a postprandially released gut hormone. Peripheral administration of one form of the peptide PYY3-36 produces a short-term reduction in food intake in rodents. Initial reports suggested that effects of PYY3-36 on food intake are mediated by increasing the anorexigenic drive from melanocortin neurons in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus. However, more recent data have demonstrated that the anorexigenic activity of PYY3-36 is not dependent on melanocortin ligands or their receptors in the CNS. We demonstrate here that the anorexigenic actions of PYY3-36 are also not dependent on the vagus nerve, a common pathway of satiety signaling. Peripherally administered PYY3-36 activates neurons in the area postrema and nucleus tractus solitarius, brainstem areas known to mediate effects of certain aversive stimuli. Furthermore, peripheral administration of PYY3-36 causes conditioned taste aversion in mice. Thus, inhibition of food intake by PYY3-36 may result in part from induction of an aversive response.

Ultrastructure of islet ghrelin cells in the human fetus

Ghrelin is a peptide hormone predominantly produced in the stomach. Ghrelin expression has also been reported in other tissues including the pancreas. We have reported that ghrelin cells constitute a novel endocrine cell type in the human and the developing rat islets. The cells are most numerous pre- and neonatally and, in humans, constitute 10% of all islet cells from mid-gestation to birth. Since gastric ghrelin expression is low before birth, the islets may be the main source of circulating ghrelin during this time. In the present investigation, we have performed an ultrastructural analysis of pancreatic ghrelin cells in human fetuses by using transmission electron microscopy and immunogold labelling. In addition, morphometrical analysis of secretory granules size was performed. Our data provide evidence for the unique ultrastructural features of ghrelin cells versus other islet cells. Notably, the secretory granules of ghrelin cells were of small size with a mean dense-core diameter of 110 nm. We conclude that ghrelin cells constitute a novel islet cell type, distinct from the previously hormonally characterised islet cell types.

Peripheral signals in the control of satiety and hunger

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Food intake is critical for survival and is a complex behavior with multiple levels of control. Short-term, meal-related signals arise from many sources including the gastrointestinal tract, the environment, and higher centers in the brain. As described in this review, inputs from the gastrointestinal tract can exert potent effects on meal initiation, meal termination, and meal frequency. The complex array of signals generated from the gastrointestinal system and from adipose tissue, which participate in the regulation of food intake, and specifically how these signals relate to satiety and hunger, is the focus of this review.

RECENT FINDINGS

Literature on the role of the well-studied gastrointestinal peptide, cholecystokinin, in satiety, in addition to its interaction with long-term adiposity signals in mediating food intake will be reviewed. In addition, literature on the gastrointestinal hormones glucagon-like-peptide 1, apolipoprotein A-IV and peptide YY, and how they may act to regulate satiety, is described. Finally, the newly discovered hormone, ghrelin, and how it relates to meal initiation and hunger is discussed.

SUMMARY

A better understanding of these systems and how they relate to body adiposity will prove to have important clinical applications. The available data suggest that interventions directed at multiple targets in the energy homeostasis system may be necessary to achieve and maintain weight loss.

Local, exendin-(9-39)-insensitive, site of action of GLP-1 in canine ileum

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) modulates glucose levels following a meal, including by inhibition of gastric emptying and intestinal transport. Intra-arterial injection of GLP-1 into the gastric corpus, antrum, or pylorus of anesthetized dogs had no effect on the contractile activity of the resting or neurally activated stomach. GLP-1 injected intra-arterially inhibited intestinal segments when activated by enteric nerve stimulation but not by acetylcholine. Isolated ileum segments were perfused intra-arterially, instrumented with strain gauges to record circular muscle activity and with subserosal electrodes to stimulate enteric nerves. GLP-1 caused concentration-dependent inhibition of nerve-stimulated phasic but not tonic activity. This was absent during TTX-induced activity and partly prevented by N(G)-nitro-L-arginine. Exendin-(9-39), the GLP-1 antagonist, had no intrinsic activity and did not affect the actions of GLP-1. Capsaicin mimicked the effects of GLP-1 and may have reduced the effect of subsequent GLP-1. GLP-1 may mediate paracrine action on afferent nerves in the canine ileal mucosa using an unusual receptor.

Structure and receptor binding of PYY analogs

Differences in the structure of PYY and two important analogs, PYY [3-36] and [Pro34]PYY, are evaluated. Y-receptor subtype ligand binding data are used in conjunction with structural data to develop a model for receptor subtype selective agonists. For PYY it is proposed that potent binding to Y1, Y4 and Y5 receptors requires the juxtaposition of the two termini while Y2 binding only requires the C-terminal helix. Further experiments that delineate between primary and tertiary structure contributions for receptor binding and activation are required to support the hypothesis that tertiary structure is stable enough to influence the expression of PYY's bioactivity.

Distribution of pancreatic polypeptide and peptide YY

The cellular distribution of PP and PYY in mammals is reviewed. Expression of PP is restricted to endocrine cells mainly present in the pancreas predominantly in the duodenal portion (head) but also found in small numbers in the gastro-intestinal tract. PYY has a dual expression in both endocrine cells and neurons. PYY expressing endocrine cells occur all along the gastrointestinal tract and are frequent in the distal portion. Islet cells expressing PYY are found in many species. In rodents they predominate in the splenic portion (tail) of the pancreas. A limited expression of PYY is found also in endocrine cells in the adrenal gland, respiratory tract and pituitary. Peripheral, particularly enteric, neurons also express PYY as does a restricted set of central neurons.

Neurohormonal regulation of secretion from isolated rat stomach ECL cells: a critical reappraisal

ECL cells are endocrine/paracrine cells in the oxyntic mucosa. They produce, store and secrete histamine and chromogranin A-derived peptides such as pancreastatin. The regulation of ECL-cell secretion has been studied by several groups using purified ECL cells, isolated from rat stomachs. Reports from different laboratories often disagree. The purpose of the present study was to re-evaluate the discrepancies by studying histamine (or pancreastatin) secretion from standardized preparations of pure, well-functioning ECL cells. Cells from rat oxyntic mucosa were dispersed by pronase digestion, purified by repeated counter-flow elutriation and subjected to density gradient centrifugation. The final preparation consisted of more than 90% ECL cells (verified by histamine and/or histidine decarboxylase immunocytochemistry). They were maintained in primary culture for 48 h before they were exposed to candidate stimulants and inhibitors for 30 min after which the medium was collected for determination of mobilized histamine (or pancreastatin). Gastrin-17 and sulphated cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8s) raised histamine secretion 4-fold, the EC(50) for both peptides being around 100 pM. The neuropeptide pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PACAP-27) (5-fold increase) and the related neuropeptides vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and peptide histidine isoleucine (PHI) (3-fold increase) mobilized histamine with similar potency (EC(50) ranging from 80 to 140 pM). Adrenaline, isoprenaline and terbutaline stimulated secretion by activating a beta2 receptor subtype, while acetylcholine and carbachol were without effect. Secretion experiments were invariably run in parallel with a gastrin standard curve. Somatostatin, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and the PGE1 congener misoprostol inhibited PACAP- and gastrin-stimulated secretion by more than 90%, with IC(50) values ranging from 90-720 (somatostatin) to 40-200 (misoprostol) pM. The neuropeptide galanin inhibited secretion by 60-70% with a potency similar to that of somatostatin. Proposed inhibitors such as peptide YY, neuropeptide Y and the cytokines interleukin 1-beta and tumor necrosis factor alpha induced at best a moderate inhibition of gastrin- or PACAP-stimulated secretion at high concentrations, while calcitonin gene-related peptide, pancreatic polypeptide and histamine itself were without effect. Inhibition of gastrin- or PACAP-stimulated secretion was routinely compared to a somatostatin standard curve. In conclusion, gastrin, PACAP, VIP/PHI and adrenaline stimulated secretion. Somatostatin and PGE2 were powerful inhibitors of both gastrin- and PACAP-stimulated secretion; although equally potent, galanin was less effective than somatostatin and PGE2.

Primary structures of PYY, [Pro(34)]PYY, and PYY-(3-36) confer different conformations and receptor selectivity

We synthesized PYY-(1-36) (nonselective between Y(1) and Y(2) receptor subtype agonists), [Pro(34)]PYY (selective for Y(1)), and PYY-(3-36) (selective for Y(2)) to determine whether solution conformation plays a role in receptor subtype selectivity. The three peptides exhibited the expected specificities in displacing labeled PYY-(1-36) from cells transfected with Y(1) receptors (dissociation constants = 0.42, 0.21, and 1,050 nM, respectively) and from cells transfected with Y(2) receptors (dissociation constants = 0.03, 710, and 0.11 nM, respectively) for PYY-(1-36), [Pro(34)]PYY, and PYY-(3-36). Sedimentation equilibrium analyses revealed that the three PYY analogs were 80-90% monomer at the concentrations used for the subsequent circular dichroism (CD) and (1)H-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies. CD analysis measured helicities for PYY-(1-36), [Pro(34)]PYY, and PYY-(3-36) of 42%, 31%, and 24%, suggesting distinct differences in secondary structure. The backbone (1)H-NMR resonances of the three peptides further substantiated marked conformational differences. These patterns support the hypothesis that Y(1) and Y(2) receptor subtype binding affinities depend on the secondary and tertiary solution state structures of PYY and its analogs.

Expression of non-classical islet hormone-like peptides during the embryonic development of the pancreas

Understanding of islet embryogenesis may prove to be key in the design of future therapies for diabetes directed at re-initiating islet growth, with the goal to replace and/or replenish the impaired beta-cell mass in the disease. In this context, studies of islet neurohormonal peptides, known to play a role in the local regulation of islet function, and their expression during islet embryogenesis are important. Here we review our studies on the embryonic islet expression of islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) and the PP-fold peptides pancreatic polypeptide (PP), peptide YY (PYY) and neuropeptide Y (NPY). IAPP, which is constitutively expressed in beta- and delta-cells in the adult rat, was found to occur in the assumed pluripotent islet progenitor cell, together with PYY, glucagon, and to a lesser extent with insulin. As development proceeds, the insulin/IAPP phenotype is segregated from that of PYY/glucagon; with the formation of islet-like structures, insulin/IAPP-expressing cells primarily occupy their central portions, while PYY/glucagon-expressing cells are found in their periphery. At the time of formation of islet-like structures, expression of NPY is induced in the insulin/IAPP-containing cells. Whereas NPY-expression ceases at birth, PYY is constitutively expressed in non-beta-cells in the mature rat. Expression of PP is induced just prior to birth in a separate population of islet cells, occasionally co-expressed with PYY. Although a clear role for these peptides during embryogenesis has not been identified, they conceivably could play a role in the control of insulin secretion, islet growth and islet blood flow.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 7-36 amide and peptide YY have additive inhibitory effect on gastric acid secretion in man

BACKGROUND

Glucagon-like peptide-1 7-36 amide (GLP-1) and peptide YY (PYY) are colocalized in the L-cell of the ileal mucosa, and both peptides may function as enterogastrone hormones. However, it is not known whether they interact with regard to the effect on acid secretion.

METHODS

The effect of intravenous infusion of GLP-1 and PYY, either alone or in combination, on pentagastrin-induced acid secretion in eight healthy volunteers was examined. The peptides were infused at two different rates: 0.25 pmol/kg/min (low rate) and 0.5 pmol/kg/min (high rate).

RESULTS

Given alone, GLP-1 and PYY inhibited acid secretion by 26 +/- 5% and 18 +/- 5% (low rate) and 45 +/- 8% and 38 +/- 7% (high rate), respectively. Combined infusion resulted in an inhibition of 32 +/- 5% (low rate) and 62 +/- 7% (high rate). Both infusion rates resulted in GLP-1 and PYY plasma concentrations below or similar to postprandial levels.

CONCLUSION

The present study suggests that the interaction between GLP-1 and PYY in man is of the additive type. The results indicate that GLP-1 and PYY have an important role in the physiologic control of gastric acid secretion.

Intraluminal peptide YY induces colonic absorption in vivo

INTRODUCTION

Peptide YY (PYY) is a 36 amino acid hormone released into the circulation and lumen of the intestine after a meal. Previous studies have shown that exogenous administration of intravenous PYY stimulates water and electrolyte absorption in both the small and large intestines. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of intraluminal administration of PYY on colonic absorption of electrolytes and water.

METHODS

Six conditioned 25-kg dogs had 20 cm of colonic Thiry-Vella fistulae surgically constructed under general anesthesia. After a two-week recovery period, the animals received intraluminal PYY at 600 pmol/kg/hour after a 90-minute steady-state basal period. The Thiry-Vella fistulae were perfused with an isotonic buffer solution containing [14C]polyethylene glycol as a volume marker. Ion and water transport were measured every 15 minutes.

RESULTS

On intraluminal infusion of PYY, increased absorption of water, sodium, and chloride was observed in the colon. A twofold increase in absorption rates occurred compared with basal rates lasting more than one hour after cessation of intraluminal PYY (N = 6; P < 0.05 vs. basal by analysis of variance).

CONCLUSION

PYY-secreting cells of the colon may contribute to the regulation of absorption after a meal. Exogenous administration of intraluminal PYY may also be a therapeutic treatment modality for malabsorption.

Role of peptide YY and enteroglucagon after low anterior resection. Comparison between straight and colonic J-pouch anastomosis

PURPOSE

It has been shown in several studies that a colonic J-pouch obviates much of the early dysfunction after a low anterior resection in terms of urgent and frequent bowel movements. In search for specific mediators of the postoperative functional adaptation, two gut peptides, peptide YY and enteroglucagon, were studied

METHODS

Plasma and "neorectal" mucosal levels of both peptides were measured in 12 patients with a straight coloanal anastomosis and in 11 patients with a colonic J-pouch anastomosis. Patients were part of a randomized trial comparing straight and colonic pouch anastomosis. Fasting plasma samples of both peptides were collected intraoperatively, after one week, before loop ileostomy closure, and at 1, 3, and 12 months after loop ileostomy closure.

RESULTS

There was no difference between the straight and the pouch groups in plasma concentrations of either peptide at any time period postoperatively. The only longitudinal hormonal changes were transient increases in mucosal peptide YY content at one-month follow-up and in mucosal enteroglucagon content before loop ileostomy closure.

CONCLUSION

Peptide YY and enteroglucagon responses in these patients appear not to be major factors for improved outcome after formation of a colonic pouch in low anterior resection.

Peptide YY expression is an early event in colonic endocrine cell differentiation: evidence from normal and transgenic mice

The hormone peptide YY is produced by endocrine cells in the pancreas, ileum and colon. We have previously shown that peptide YY is coexpressed in all four islet cell types in the murine pancreas when they first appear, suggesting a common peptide YY-producing progenitor. In the colon, peptide YY has been frequently identified in glucagon-expressing L-type endocrine cells. Characterization of colonic endocrine tumors in transgenic mice expressing simian virus 40 large T antigen under the control of the peptide YY gene 5′ flanking region revealed tumor cells producing not only peptide YY and glucagon, but also neurotensin, cholecystokinin, substance P, serotonin, secretin, and gastrin. This suggested that multiple enteroendocrine lineages were related to peptide YY-producing cells. Subsequent examination of the ontogeny of colonic endocrine differentiation in nontransgenic mice revealed that peptide YY was the first hormone to appear during development, at embryonic day 15.5. Between embryonic days 16.5 and 18.5, cells expressing glucagon, cholecystokinin, substance P, serotonin, secretin, neurotensin, gastrin and somatostatin first appeared and peptide YY was coexpressed in each cell type at this time. Peptide YY coexpression continued in a significant fraction of most enteroendocrine cell types throughout fetal and postnatal development and into adulthood, with the exception of serotonin-producing cells. This latter population of cells expanded dramatically after birth with rare coexpression of peptide YY. These studies indicate that expression of peptide YY is an early event in colonic endocrine differentiation and support the existence of a common progenitor for all endocrine cells in the colon.