GLP-2 increases the stimulation of crypt cell proliferation and inhibition of enterocyte apoptosis, leading to hyperplasia of the small bowel villous epithelium. It also induces trophic effects in animal models of both small and large bowel injury such as experimental small bowel resection or chemically induced colitis. Besides stimulation of epithelial proliferation, GLP-2 acutely regulates gastric emptying and possesses rapid metabolic effects promoting the stimulation of intestinal hexose transport.
