Characterization of epithelial cell shedding from human small intestine.

Intestinal epithelial cells migrate from the base of the crypt to the villi where they are shed. However, little is known about the cell shedding process. We have studied the role of apoptosis and wound healing mechanisms in cell shedding from human small intestinal epithelium.

Epithelial barrier function in vivo is sustained despite gaps in epithelial layers.

Background & Aims: Epithelial cells of the small intestine migrate to the tip of the villus at which they are shed. It is not understood how the intestinal barrier is maintained during this high cell turnover. The aim of this study was to use high-resolution in vivo light microscopy to investigate the mechanism of epithelial shedding and the site of the permeability barrier during cell shedding.