Effect of age on intestinal regeneration in the rabbit

We compared the rate of regeneration of full thickness serosa patched intestinal defects to determine whether this regenerative process is influenced by age. Twenty-five rabbits aged 3, 9, 15, 36 and 60 months were killed 3 weeks after patching. Epithelialization was slightly but significantly greater in the 3-month-old rabbits but there were no differences in contraction of the patched defect or villus development of the regenerating mucosa. Disaccharidase activity was greatest in the older animals but glucose uptake was similar at all ages. Proliferative activity was similar as well. Thus, intestinal regeneration in full thickness intestinal defects does not appear to be influenced significantly by the age of the animals.