Cholecystokinin Mediation of Colonic Absorption Via Peptide YY: Foregut–Hindgut Axis

Abstract

Peptide YY (PYY), a 36-amino-acid polypeptide, is found in abundance in the colon, a region where its physiologic roles are unknown. Previous studies have revealed a substantial increase in plasma PYY after cholecystokinin (CCK) administration. PYY is released from the hindgut in response to a meal and inhibits CCK release. In this study we evaluated the effects of CCK and PYY on intestinal absorption of water and electrolytes. Colonic, ileal, or jejunal Thiry-Vella fistulas (TVFs) were created in 12 dogs, and intestinal continuity was reestablished. The TVFs were perfused with an isotonic buffer solution containing [14C] PEG as a volume marker. Electrolyte and water transport were measured every 15 minutes, and plasma PYY and CCK levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. Group 1 dogs received an intravenous bolus of MK329, a specific CCK receptor antagonist, at 20 nmol/kg after a standard mixed meal; group 2 colonic TVF dogs received a meal and an intravenous bolus of PYY polyclonal antibody at 1 mg/kg. Postprandially, all three regions of the bowel became significantly proabsorptive for water, sodium, and chloride. In the colon postprandial absorption was abolished by MK329 starting 60 minutes after a meal, whereas specific CCK receptor blockade blunted ileal absorption. CCK receptor blockade did not affect postprandial absorption in the jejunum. Postprandial PYY levels did not rise in MK329-treated animals. PYY antibody reduced colonic absorption during the postprandial phase. Reduction of meal-induced colonic absorption and PYY release by MK329 in awake dogs suggests an important foregut-hindgut hormonal feedback loop. Foregut-derived CCK stimulates hindgut PYY release, which in turn stimulates colonic absorption while inhibiting further CCK release.