Onset of cell proliferation in the shortened gut: growth after subtotal colectomy

Cell proliferation and remodeling of the small intestine were studied after subtotal colectomy in the rat. After an initial fall in nucleic acid contents, there was a trend to increasing amounts of RNA throughout the intestine on the 14th postoperative day; by the 30th day RNA and DNA contents were increased for about 20%. DNA synthesis increased after 5 days. Although initially villi became shorter and crypts shallower, higher villi, deeper crypts, and an increased rate of cell migration were present after 14 days. Subtotal colectomy stimulates nucleic acid synthesis and remodeling of the small bowel within 2 wk. changes are most marked in the ileum.