Pharmacological activation of TGR5 promotes intestinal growth via a GLP-2 dependent pathway in mice

Glucagon-like peptide-1 and 2 (GLP-1 and GLP-2) secreting L cells have been shown to express the bile acid receptor takeda-G-protein-receptor-5 (TGR5) and increase secretion upon receptor activation. Previous studies have explored GLP-1 secretion following acute TGR5 activation but chronic activation and GLP-2 responses have not been characterized. In this study, we aimed to investigate the consequences of pharmacological TGR5 receptor activation on L cell hormone production in vivo using the specific TGR5 agonist RO5527239 and the GLP-2 receptor knockout mouse. Here, we show 1) TGR5 receptor activation led to increased GLP-1 and GLP-2 content in the colon, which 2) was associated with an increased small intestinal weight that 3) was GLP-2 dependent. Additionally, we report that TGR5 mediated gallbladder filling occurred independently of GLP-2 signaling. In conclusion, we demonstrate that pharmacological TGR5 receptor activation stimulates L cells triggering GLP-2 dependent intestinal adaption in mice.