Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 12, 2026
07:42
Improved Swiss-rolling Technique for Intestinal Tissue Preparation for Immunohistochemical and Immunofluorescent Analyses
Published on: July 13, 2016
Epithelial cell dynamics in rabbit cecum and proximal colon P1
1Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Louisiana State University Medical Center, Shreveport, Louisiana 71130, USA.
The Anatomical Record
|December 18, 2001
Summary
Rabbit colonic crypts regenerate rapidly, with columnar cells migrating and dying within 3 days. Mucous cells, however, have a much slower turnover rate of approximately 5 weeks.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Cell Biology
- Mammalian Physiology
Background:
- The mammalian large intestine's osmoregulatory functions are segment-specific.
- Colonic mucosal epithelium cellular dynamics are not well understood, particularly in rabbit models.
- Functional variations in the intestine often correlate with morphological differences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cellular makeup and dynamics of the rabbit colonic mucosal epithelium.
- To identify proliferative zones, migration patterns, and apoptosis in the rabbit cecum and proximal colon.
- To determine the turnover time of different cell types in the rabbit colon.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) to locate proliferative zones.
- 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling to track cellular migration over 24, 48, and 72 hours.
- Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase d-UTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay to identify apoptotic cells.
Main Results:
- A proliferative zone was identified at or near the crypt base in both the cecum and proximal colon (P1).
- Crypt columnar cells migrate from the base towards the lumenal surface epithelium, where apoptosis occurs.
- The turnover time for crypt columnar cells is approximately 3 days, while mucous cells have a turnover time of about 5 weeks.
Conclusions:
- Rabbit cecum and proximal colon P1 share similar cellular morphology and epithelial cell kinetics.
- Cellular regeneration in the rabbit colon involves migration from the crypt base to the surface, followed by apoptosis.
- Goblet cell turnover is significantly slower than that of columnar cells in the rabbit colon.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Renewal of Intestinal Stem Cells
The intestinal epithelial lining rapidly renews every 4 to 5 days. The renewal is facilitated by intestinal stem cells (ISCs) located at the base of the crypt– a gland located at the bottom of each villus. ISCs divide asymmetrically to form new stem cells and progenitor daughter cells. The daughter cells are called transit-amplifying (TA) cells which move upwards along the crypt and either differentiate into absorptive cells– the enterocytes or secretory cells– including the goblet,...
01:22Role of Ephrin-Eph Signalling in Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal
Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular carcinoma receptor (Eph) and its ligand, Eph receptor-interacting protein (Ephrin) were first discovered in the human carcinoma cell line, hence the name. Ephrin-Eph interaction guides cells to reach their appropriate location in adult tissues. They also play an essential role in the immune system by helping in immune cell migration, adhesion, and activation. Based on their structure and function, Eph is divided into two classes — EphA and EphB.
01:27Histology of the Small Intestine
The small intestine exhibits a unique histological structure that significantly enhances its function in digestion and nutrient absorption. These structures include circular folds, villi, and various specialized cells that collectively facilitate the digestion of food.
The intestinal lining features transverse folds called circular folds, each housing fingerlike projections known as intestinal villi. These villi are covered by a layer of simple columnar epithelium, also referred to as...
The intestinal lining features transverse folds called circular folds, each housing fingerlike projections known as intestinal villi. These villi are covered by a layer of simple columnar epithelium, also referred to as...