A comparison of cell proliferation at different sites within the large bowel of the mouse.

Abstract

This study was undertaken in order to compare cell proliferation at different sites along the length of the large bowel of the mouse. Simple morphometry has been used along with 3HTdR labelling studies and metaphase arrest with vincristine. Differences have been described in the shape and size of crypts, the distribution of proliferating cells, the duration of the cell cycle, as well as in the rate of cell production by the crypts. The findings explain some of the apparent inconsistencies in the literature.