Depression of intestinal epithelial cell production rate by hindgut bypass in rats

Influence of hindgut bypass on the epithelial cell production rates of the small and large intestine was tested in rats. Hindgut bypass decreased cryptal cell production rates of the jejunum, ileum, cecum, and distal colon by 40-65%. These results suggest that the entrance of ileal effluent into the hindgut and, presumably, the resultant microbial production of short-chain fatty acids are required to maintain the normal epithelial cell proliferation not only in the hindgut but also in the small intestine.