A novel method to separate the layers of the intestine.

By applying cellulose acetate paper to the lumenal and serosal surface of the intestine of rats, we have divided the intestine into three layers. Examining the layers histologically, we have shown that most of the villi are removed from the mucosal surface, ther serosa alone is removed from the serosal surface, and muscle layers. This appears to provide a rapid procedure for separation of the layers of the intestine for histological and biochemical studies.