Glucagon-Like Peptide-2 in the Control of Gastrointestinal Motility: Physiological Implications

Abstract

Glucagon-Like Peptide-2 (GLP-2) is a pleiotropic hormone that plays several roles in different organs and tissues, so being involved in many physiological processes. Among these, it regulates gastrointestinal (GI) tract function binding to a specific G-protein coupled receptor (GLP-2R). Of note, GLP-2R is widely expressed in different cells of the GI tract, including excitatory and inhibitory neurons of the enteric nervous system. In the gut, GLP-2 has been reported to play numerous actions, among which the modulation of motility. Nevertheless, most of the GLP-2 effects and its role in physiological processes are still debated. The aim of this minireview is to summarize the data present in the literature on the control of GI motility by GLP-2, the mechanism through which it occurs, and to discuss the physiological implications of such effects. A better understanding of the role of GLP-2 on GI motor responses may be of importance for the development of new therapeutic approaches in GI dysmotility.

Keywords: Glucagon-like peptide-2; acetylcholine; gastrointestinal motility; neuromodulation; nitric oxide; substance P; vasoactive intestinal peptide.