Effects of Dietary Wheat Bran on Rat Colonic Structure and Mucosal Cell Growth

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Abstract
The effects of dietary wheat bran on colonic morphology and mucosal cell growth were examined in male Wistar rats. Two groups of rats were fed defined diets for 2 weeks. The control group was fed a fiber-free diet while the experimental group received the same diet plus a 20% wheat bran supplement. Nutrient intake and body weight gain were similar in the two groups of rats. The bran-fed group developed an increase in proximal (cecum) and distal colonic weights (P < 0.02) but mucosal weight was only increased in the distal colon when compared to the control group (P < 0.005). Histological measurements revealed deeper colonic crypts (P < 0.001) and mucosal cell hyperplasia in the bran-fed group in addition to an increase in muscle thickness (P < 0.001). Mucosal cell hyperplasia, as measured by the increases in mucosal protein (P < 0.01), DNA (P < 0.01) and RNA (P < 0.005) was most marked in the distal colon. Proximal colon showed no significant change in mucosal cell mass. Cell RNA content was decreased only in the proximal colonic mucosa (P < 0.01). These results demonstrate that dietary wheat bran regulates colonic mucosal cell growth according to the anatomical region of the colon, producing distal mucosal hyperplasia and decreasing proximal colonic cell RNA.

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