1. Electron-microscopic Studies on Changes of the Rectal Mucosa in Chronic Ulcerative Colitis

Abstract

Changes of fine-structures of mucosa and submucosal layers of the rectum in chronic ulcerative colitis were studied with the transmission electron microscope. Seventeen patients with chronic ulcerative colitis, of which 11 cases were in the active phase of ulcerative colitis and 6 in the remission phase, were subjected to the present studies. Changes of fine-structures were remarkable throughout mucosa and submucosal layer in the active phase.In the remission phase, most of changes in mucosa and submucosal layer disappeared, but degenerative changes remained in the fussy-coat, microvilli, and collagenous fibers.The results of the present studies indicate that the process of ulcerative colitis is latent but continuous even in the remission phase.