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Intestinal microvilli: responses to feeding and fasting

D W Misch, P E Giebel, R G Faust

    European Journal of Cell Biology
    |August 1, 1980
    PubMed

    Insights

    Researchers observed membrane-bound bodies forming from microvilli in hamster small intestine cells. Their presence is linked to feeding cycles, suggesting a role in active epithelial cell function.

    Area of Science:

    • Cell Biology
    • Epithelial Cell Physiology
    • Gastrointestinal Biology

    Background:

    • The small intestine's brush border, composed of microvilli, is crucial for nutrient absorption.
    • Epithelial cells actively maintain their structure and function, but the mechanisms of membrane turnover are not fully understood.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the formation and characteristics of membrane-bound bodies originating from microvilli in hamster jejunal cells.
    • To explore the relationship between membrane-body production and the feeding cycle.
    • To determine the potential general significance of membrane-body formation in active epithelial cells.

    Main Methods:

    • Microscopic examination of jejunal cells from hamsters under different feeding conditions (fed ad libitum vs. fasted for 48 hours).
    • Characterization of the morphology and glycocalyx of the observed membrane-bound bodies.

    Main Results:

    • Membrane-bound bodies, vesiculate structures retaining glycocalyx, are regularly released from microvilli.
    • Animals fed ad libitum exhibited more membrane-bodies and taller microvilli compared to fasted animals.
    • Membrane-bodies were also observed in non-digestive epithelial cells.

    Conclusions:

    • Membrane-body formation from microvilli is a regular process in hamster small intestine epithelium.
    • The production of these bodies is associated with the feeding cycle.
    • This process may play a general role in the functioning of active epithelial cells, beyond digestion.

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