Stimulation of colonic goblet cells by cecal filtrates from rabbits with experimental mucoid enteropathy.

Mucoid enteropathy was induced experimentally by ligation of the cecum, and sterile filtrates were prepared from cecal contents of sick and control rabbits. Explants were prepared from the colons of normal rabbits and were maintained in a short-term organ culture system. Cecal filtrates from rabbits with experimental mucoid enteropathy when added to the culture medium, stimulated mucus secretion and discharge from goblet cells. This was exhibited by an increase in number of visible goblet cells, presence of mucus in crypt lumen and/or presence of a significant amount of mucus blanketing the surface epithelium. The results indicated that a mucus-stimulating substance, a goblet cell secretagogue, was produced in the cecum of affected rabbits.