Changes in the number and apoptosis of epithelial cells in the colorectum of wheat bran-fed rats soon after administering 1,2-dimethylhydrazine.

We investigated the effect of dietary wheat bran (Wb) on colonic tumorigenesis soon after a single administration of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH). Rats that had been fed on either a fiber-free diet or a 20% Wb diet were injected with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (20 mg/kg body weight). At 6h, 12h, 1d, 3d, or 7d after the injection, the colorectum was excised for histological analyses. The number of crypt cells more rapidly recovered in the 20% Wb group than in the fiber-free group after its temporary reduction by injection of DMH. At 6h after the DMH treatment, the apoptotic cells were significantly greater in number in the fiber-free group than in the 20% Wb group. In contrast, those in distal colon were significantly fewer in the fiber-free group than in the 20% Wb group at 7d after the treatment. These results suggest that the ingestion of Wb affected the turnover of colonic epithelial cells and would thereby bring about a protective effect against DMH-induced tumorigenesis.