Apical distribution of fatty acid esterification capacity along the villus-crypt unit of rat jejunum.

Distribution of fatty acid esterification capacity along the structure of the villus-crypt unit was studied in both in vivo perfused an in vitro incubated rat jejunum. Using a cryostat sectioning technique, the intestine was sectioned transversely at 6 micron thickness, from the tip of the villus to the crypt. Morphology and sucrase activity were used as markers to define the location along the villus-crypt unit. Fatty acid esterification capacity was found to be more apically concentrated in both in vivo and in vitro preparations. The apical distribution of fatty acid esterification capacity is a reflection of the distribution patterns of lipid esterifying enzyme activity along the villus-crypt units.