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

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Abstract
Pieces of mouse mid-jejunum were cleared in glycerine and examined by differential interference contrast microscopy at low powers of magnification. The position and number of crypts and villi were determined in the same specimen using this technique. The calculated value for crypt/villus ratio 4.53 .+-. 0.99 (mean .+-. SD) was 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 by entirely different methods of analysis. The general usefulness of this form of light microscopy in helping to appreciate some 3-dimensional problems in mucosal architecture was emphasized.