OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of a GLP-2 infusion on appetite sensations and ad libitum energy intake in healthy, normal weight humans.

DESIGN: The experiment was performed in a randomised, blinded, and placebo-controlled crossover design. Placebo or GLP-2 was infused (infusion rate of 25 pmol/kg body wth) for 4.5 h.

SUBJECTS: A total of 18 healthy, normal weight young subjects participated; eight women and 10 men.

MEASUREMENTS: During the infusion, subjects recorded their appetite sensations every 30 min using visual analogue scales, and blood was sampled frequently. After 2 h of infusion, an ad libitum meal, consisting of sandwiches, was served.

RESULTS: The concentration of GLP-2 was significantly higher during the GLP-2 infusion compared with placebo (P<0.0001) and increased further in both conditions in response to the meal. Neither appetite sensations, nor palatability of the test meals, or energy intake were different on the two occasions. Glucose, GLP-1, insulin, and GIP responses were also unaffected by the infusion, whereas glucagon levels were higher during the GLP-2 treatment (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: Circulating GLP-2 in physiological concentrations does not seem to play a significant role in human appetite regulation.