Morphometrical changes in the apical surface of the colonic absorptive cells in perinatal rats with special reference to the effect of fetal oral administration of milk in utero.

Perinatal changes in the apical surface of the colonic absorptive cells in the rat were studied morphometrically. Cell microvilli length increased from day 20 through neonatal day 3, during which a maximum incremental growth rate was noted between fetal day 22 and neonatal day 1. Microvilli width remained almost constant throughout the period. Enlargement of the apical surface of the microvilli showed a similar developmental pattern as was seen from the measurement of length and surface area of any one of the microvilli. Fetal oral administration of milk in utero caused incremental growth in length and surface area, as well as an associated apical surface enlargement. The present study indicates that the function of the colonic absorptive cells, which is acquired later on in utero, is activated by ingestion of maternal milk after birth.