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A concept of the pathogenesis of anemia applied to disorders of the intestinal mucosa

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Summary

It is proposed that the columnar epithelial tissue covering the inner surface of the small intestine is in a state of dynamic equilibrium. The total mass of the epithelial cells remains constant while the individual cells are continually lost and replaced. The size of the mass is estimated to be about 750 ml. If the life span of the cells is 3 days, the mass is maintained by the production of 250 ml. per day of new epithelial cells and the loss of an equal volume of old cells.

If these assumptions are correct one may predicate the existence of a disease of the small intestine which is the result of diminished mass of epithelial cells. This may come about through premature loss or destruction of the cells or because of insufficient production of new cells. The pathogenesis of anemia has been expressed in a similar fashion.

It is suggested that the distortions of the intestinal villi of the sort found in sprue, cholera, and celiac disease may represent a structural reaction to a diminished mass of columnar epithelial cells.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. From the Department of Hematology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Washington, D. C.

    William H. Crosby Col. (MC)

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  1. William H. Crosby Col. (MC)
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Crosby, W.H. A concept of the pathogenesis of anemia applied to disorders of the intestinal mucosa. Digest Dis Sci 6, 492–498 (1961). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02231066

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02231066

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