Use of differential interference contrast microscopy to determine cell renewal times in mouse intestine.

Pieces of mouse mid jejunum have been cleared in glycerin and examined by differential interference contrast microscopy at low powers of magnification. The position and number of crypts and villi can be determined in the same specimen using this technique. The calculated value for crypt/villus ratio 4.53 +/- 0.99 (mean +/- SD) is less than a previously published value obtained using indirect techniques. A revised estimate of cell renewal time, based on this newly determined value for crypt/villus ratio, is 45 h. This agrees with earlier estimates derived from entirely different methods of analysis. The general usefulness of this form of light microscopy in helping one appreciate some three-dimensional problems in mucosal architecture is emphasized.