Changes in cell proliferation and differentiation of adult rat small intestine epithelium after adrenalectomy - kinetic, biochemical, and morphological studies
B. Foligne et al., Changes in cell proliferation and differentiation of adult rat small intestine epithelium after adrenalectomy - kinetic, biochemical, and morphological studies, DIG DIS SCI, 46(6), 2001, pp. 1236-1246
The effects of 10-day bilateral adrenalectomy on morphometry, proliferation
, and apoptosis were determined in the small intestine of 3-month-old Sprag
ue-Dawley rats. The activities of sucrase, lactase, and its respective mRNA
, aminopeptidase N, and intestinal alkaline phosphatase were also evaluated
. Adrenalectomy lead to partial atrophy and disorganization of the epitheli
um, with an increased number of goblet and Paneth cells and a reduction of
crypt cell proliferation paralleled by a marked increase in villus apoptosi
s. Biochemical assays revealed that aminopeptidase N and intestinal alkalin
e phosphatase activities were significantly decreased, whereas disaccharida
ses were increased by adrenalectomy. The corresponding induction of lactase
mRNA suggests an active response of the epithelium. In conclusion, adrenal
ectomy modified maturation and the differentiation processes of the small i
ntestinal mucosa, especially in the proximal part of the small intestine. T
his result points: to an important role of adrenals and glucocorticoids in
the trophic status of the adult small intestinal mucosa.