[Role of goblet enterocytes in the intestinal excretion of calcium]

A comparative study on the amount of goblet cells and excretion of endogenic calcium in the small intestine of chicks has been made. The amount of goblet cells (per brush area unit) significantly increased at the deficiency of vitamin D3 as well as at the surplus of calcium in the diet. Excretion intensity of endogenic calcium (determined by 45Ca) correlates directly with the amount of goblet cells. Histochemical and electron microscopical investigations show that precipitate accumulations containing calcium are absorbed in goblet cells and their secret on the surface of the cells. The significance of goblet cells in the intestinal excretion of endogenic calcium is discussed.