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Am J Transl Res 2013;5(3):347-358
Original Article
Novel insight into the distribution of L-cells in the rat intestinal tract
Carl Frederik Hansen, Niels Vrang, Per Torp Sangild, Jacob Jelsing
Gubra Aps, Agern Alle 1, 2970 Hørsholm; Department of Human Nutrition, University of Copenhagen,
Frederiksberg, Denmark
Received March 1, 2013; Accepted March 30, 2013; Epub April 19, 2013; Published April 30, 2013
Abstract: Background: Gut secreted incretin hormones and gastric bypass surgery currently provides some of the
most successful treatments for diabetes and obesity respectively. However, despite the evident importance of the
gut endocrine system no information exists on the total number and distribution of different types of endocrine
cells in the gut. Here we have used the established preclinical Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) rat model which
displays elevated levels of GLP-1 to assess L-cell distribution and L-cell dynamics in the full rostro-caudal
extension of the rat intestinal tract. Methods: Using mathematically unbiased stereology we provide total and
regional estimates of gut volume, gut surface area and the total number of L-cells throughout the intestinal tract in
obese ZDF rats and lean controls. Results: The total number of L-cells in the lean and obese ZDF gut is
estimated to 4.8 and 10.9 million, respectively, coupled with a corresponding near doubling in total gut volume
and total surface area. L-cell numbers were found to be distributed rather evenly throughout the jejunum, ileum
and colon. Conclusion: The present study provides the first stereological report of total L-cell number and L-cell
distribution throughout the rat intestinal tract. In contrast to the currently held view, the majority of L-cells are
actually located proximal to the traditionally defined ileum and colon. (AJTR1303001).
Keywords: L-cell, GLP-1, diabetes, stereology, ZDF
Address correspondence to: Jacob Jelsing, Gubra ApS, Agern Alle 1, 2970 Hørsholm, Denmark. Phone: (+45)
31522652; E-mail: jacob@gubra.dk
Original Article
Novel insight into the distribution of L-cells in the rat intestinal tract
Carl Frederik Hansen, Niels Vrang, Per Torp Sangild, Jacob Jelsing
Gubra Aps, Agern Alle 1, 2970 Hørsholm; Department of Human Nutrition, University of Copenhagen,
Frederiksberg, Denmark
Received March 1, 2013; Accepted March 30, 2013; Epub April 19, 2013; Published April 30, 2013
Abstract: Background: Gut secreted incretin hormones and gastric bypass surgery currently provides some of the
most successful treatments for diabetes and obesity respectively. However, despite the evident importance of the
gut endocrine system no information exists on the total number and distribution of different types of endocrine
cells in the gut. Here we have used the established preclinical Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) rat model which
displays elevated levels of GLP-1 to assess L-cell distribution and L-cell dynamics in the full rostro-caudal
extension of the rat intestinal tract. Methods: Using mathematically unbiased stereology we provide total and
regional estimates of gut volume, gut surface area and the total number of L-cells throughout the intestinal tract in
obese ZDF rats and lean controls. Results: The total number of L-cells in the lean and obese ZDF gut is
estimated to 4.8 and 10.9 million, respectively, coupled with a corresponding near doubling in total gut volume
and total surface area. L-cell numbers were found to be distributed rather evenly throughout the jejunum, ileum
and colon. Conclusion: The present study provides the first stereological report of total L-cell number and L-cell
distribution throughout the rat intestinal tract. In contrast to the currently held view, the majority of L-cells are
actually located proximal to the traditionally defined ileum and colon. (AJTR1303001).
Keywords: L-cell, GLP-1, diabetes, stereology, ZDF
Address correspondence to: Jacob Jelsing, Gubra ApS, Agern Alle 1, 2970 Hørsholm, Denmark. Phone: (+45)
31522652; E-mail: jacob@gubra.dk
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