Fission of crypts in the small intestine of the irradiated mouse.

Following 1600 R of X-rays there was a reduction in the number of crypts in the small intestine of the mouse by 77% as measured 5 days later. However, by 21 days the number had increased steadily to levels approaching normal. The number of villi did not change following irradiation. The mechanism of increase in crypt number was by budding and fission of repopulated crypts which had become larger than normal. Some aspects of crypt organization are discussed.