David L. Sigalet, MD, PhD, FRCSC, FACS

Professor
Department of Surgery
3330 Hospital Drive NW
Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 4N1

Office:         403-955-2271
Lab:            403-220-8708
Fax:            403-943-7634 
E-mail:        sigalet@ucalgary.ca   
A Member of the Gastrointestinal Research Group

Research

Our lab is interested in the control of intestinal nutrient absorption, especially in short bowel syndrome (SBS). The recently described hormone Glucagon-like Peptide 2, appears to play a central role in this, especially following intestinal resection. Our lab is actively studying the mechanisms of action of GLP-2, focussing on the activation profile of the enteric nervous system, using FOS expression as a marker, and immunohistochemistry to determine the neuronal subtypes involved (with Dr. K. Sharkey). We are also studying the therapeutic potential of GLP-2 and Epidermal Growth Factor (Dose response relationships) in Parenteral Nutrition models of SBS. In these studies, we use inert sugar probes as markers of nutrient absorption (with Dr. J. Meddings) in both experimental models and SBS patients. We have a pilot project underway examining GLP-2 levels in patients with impaired intestinal function (SBS, inflammatory bowel disease, and eating disorders). We are completing a pilot study of the use of Epidermal Growth Factor in human patients with SBS. In conjunction with Drs Buie and Maclean from colorectal surgery, we are continuing studies examining the effects of hypoxia on intestinal wound healing. These will focus on the effect of hypoxia on cytokine signalling, vascular ingrowth and collagen production in wounds.

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