DNA ANALYSIS OF COLON BIOPSIES FROM TAMARINS WITH INFLAMMATORY BOWEL-DISEASE

DNA analysis was performed on paraffin-embedded colon biopsies from ta marins before, during, and after acute colitis episodes. No difference was noted between the coefficients of variation of diploid population s from active and chronic colitic regions. Rates of proliferation vari ed significantly among animals and sites of biopsy; no correlation how ever was noted between proliferation rates and the presence of active colitis. An aneuploid population was observed in a past colitis specim en. Continuing longitudinal studies will assess the significance of el evated proliferation rates and aneuploidy for early development of mal ignancy.