The Intestinal Mucosa of Germfree Mice after Whole-Body X-Irradiation with 3 Kiloroentgens

Abstract

Germfree CFW mice exposed to 3 kr whole-body X-irradiation have a mean survival time of 7.3 days, whereas conventional CFW mice have a mean survival time of 3.5 days. Increased survival time in germfree mice is ascribed to the longer life span of mucosal cells. Migration of epithelial cells from crypt to villus tip takes 4.3 days in germfree mice and 2.1 days in conventional mice. After 3 kr, the intestine is denuded in 3.5 days in conventional mice and not until 7 days in germfree mice. Death occurs very soon after denudation in both groups.