DNA labeling of rat epithelial tissues in vitamin A deficiency

We examined the effect of vitamin A nutritional status on cell division in various epithelial tissues of the rat. Tissues were examined by histological methods, and DNA labeling was assessed by autoradiography. Mild vitamin A deficiency decreased the DNA labeling index in the trachea and the epidermis, while not altering the histological appearance of the tissue. In some tracheae, foci of hyperplasia were present. The histological appearance and the DNA labeling index of the cornea, jejunum and colon were not altered by mild vitamin A deficiency. We concluded that a diminished proliferation of epithelial cells is a manifestation of suboptimal vitamin A availability in that tissue.