Paneth and Goblet Cell Renewal in Mouse Duodenal Crypts

Proliferation of Paneth and goblet cells of mouse duodenal crypts was studied by high resolution light microscope radioautography. In one group of mice, blood levels of thymidine-(3)H were sustained for up to 12 hr by repeated injections of isotope to facilitate identification of proliferating cells. In these animals, many goblet cell nuclei incorporated thymidine-(3)H whereas only 1 of 6261 tabulated Paneth cells was labeled. Cells intermediate in structure between undifferentiated and goblet cells and between undifferentiated and Paneth cells were identified and their light and electron microscopic features are described. A significant number of these "intermediate" cells incorporated thymidine-(3)H into their nuclei. Another group of mice received a single injection of thymidine-(3)H. These animals were killed 4 hr to 29 days after isotope administration. Goblet cells and intermediate cells with labeled nuclei were identified 4 hr after thymidine-(3)H but could not be seen after 15 days. In contrast, Paneth cells with labeled nuclei were not observed until 24 hr after thymidine-(3)H but were still present at 29 days, long after labeled undifferentiated, goblet, and intermediate cells had disappeared. We conclude that differentiated Paneth cells in mouse duodenum do not normally proliferate, but, instead, arise by differentiation from undifferentiated crypt cells or from intermediate cells. Moreover, once formed, Paneth cells persist in crypts for a prolonged period. In contrast, intermediate cells and crypt goblet cells proliferate actively and are less stable cell populations than differentiated Paneth cells. The precise function of the intermediate cells is not known, but they may represent transition forms between undifferentiated cells and the more matrure secretory cells. Damage of crypt epithelial cells, thought to be due to radiation effects, was evident in both groups of mice.