Apoptosis and renewal of enterocytes in experimental atrophy of the small intestinal mucosa

Abstract

Apoptosis, one of the types of cell deaths, participates in regulating the size of regenerated tissue. Severe atrophy of small intestine mucosa in mice was caused by the administration of hydroxyurea solution. The degree of atrophy correlated with a lowering mitotic activity and DNA synthesis in the epithelium of crypts. Apoptotic bodies were situated above the basal membrane, in crypt lumen or were phagocytized by adjacent epithelial cells. The development of atrophy, as well as the regeneration of mucosa can be predicted by the relation between mitosis and apoptosis.