Paneth cells in experimental amyloidosis

The effect of experimental amyloidosis on the morphology of the Paneth cells of the mouse was investigated by using light and fluorescence microscopy. Amyloidosis was induced by daily subcutaneous casein injections for 4 weeks. It was found that the number of secretory granules of the Paneth cells increased in the jejunum, but remained normal in the duodenum. Small morphological alterations took place in the Paneth cells during the induction of amyloidosis, and occasionally the Paneth cells were totally lost. These changes suggest that the function of the Paneth cells of the jejunum may be partly inhibited during experimental amyloidosis.