Structural, functional and molecular analysis of the effects of aging in the small intestine and colon of C57BL/6J mice.

ABSTRACT:

Background

By regulating digestion and absorption of nutrients and providing a barrier against the external environment the intestine provides a crucial contribution to the maintenance of health. To what extent aging-related changes in the intestinal system contribute to the functional decline associated with aging is still under debate.

Methods

Young (4 M) and old (21 M) male C57BL/6J mice were fed a control low-fat (10E%) or a high-fat diet (45E%) for 2 weeks. During the intervention gross energy intake and energy excretion in the feces were measured. After sacrifice the small and large intestine were isolated and the small intestine was divided in three equal parts. Swiss rolls were prepared of each of the isolated segments for histological analysis and the luminal conten

SUBMITTER: Steegenga WT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3534289 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature