Cell Migration Velocities In the Crypts of the Small Intestine After Cytotoxic Insult Are Not Dependent On Mitotic Activity

Abstract

Abstract. The role of mitotic activity in the normal process of intestinal epithelial cell migration was investigated. the movement of [3H]TdR‐labelled cells in the crypt‐villus column was used to study migration both in the crypts and on the villi. Radiation alone or in conjunction with other cytotoxic agents (hydroxyurea, cyclophosphamide and isopropyl‐methane sulphonate) was used to eliminate cell division activity and to decrease crypt cellularity. This was done in order to determine the role of ‘mitotic pressure’ in driving cell migration. It has been clearly demonstrated in this study that cell migration, both within the crypts and on the villi, can take place in the complete absence o..