study of age associated changes in the mouse colon

ABSTRACT

The aim of the present work was to demonstrate any age associated changes in the colon. Forty mice were used in this study with different ages. The mice were divided into four groups aged 1, 2, 12 and 24 months. Light microscopic [LM] and scanning electron microscopic [SEM] examination as well as statistical analysis of the results were done. It was found that in old aged mice [12 and 24 months], there was an apparent decrease in the number of goblet cells and a marked increase in the amount of collagenous fibres compared to the young aged mice [1 and 2 months]. Statistical analysis showed a significant increase in the outer diameter and length of the crypts in old aged mice. In addition, a significant decrease in the nerve cell number of Auerbach' s plexus was also recorded. Using SEM many black spots as well as epithelial denuded areas were also observed in old mice. It was concluded that the observed decrease in goblet cells number, number of neurons and in muscle wall thickness with an increase in deposition of collagen fibres in old-aged mice probably contribute to colon dysfunctions in elderly