Organogenesis of the colon in rats.

Colonic organogenesis in rats was studied using light microscopic techniques for the demonstration of mucosubstances, glycogen, and connective tissue fibers. Crypts began as intraepithelial spaces which were in continuity with the colonic lumen. The cells forming the floors of these invaded the nonsulfated acid glycosaminoglycan-rich mesenchyme as the basement membrane became discontinuous. As the diameter of the colon increased, the crypts lengthened and the lamina propria thickened until a layer of collagen and sulfated acid glycosaminoglycans formed at the bases of the crypts and the basement membrane was reestablished. The circular layer of the muscularis externa developed first, then the longitudinal layer, and finally the muscularis mucosae. Three types of mucous cells arose in these newly formed crypts. The initial epithelial cell type contained glycogen and gave rise to cells with apical coats of nonsulfated acid glycoproteins. This cell type was followed by the appearance of cells at the bases of the crypts containing nonsulfated acid glycoproteins. As the crypts lengthened, the goblet cells near the base contained nonsulfated and/or sulfated acid glycoproteins. Closer to and on the surface, the cells contained sulfated acid glycoproteins, a mixture of sulfated acid and neutral glycoproteins, or just neutral glycoproteins. Striated-border cells appeared intermingled with the mucous cells close to the bases of the crypts and continued onto the surface. A comparison was made between regeneration following placement of a surgical lesion in adult rats and events in organogenesis of the colon.