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Review
. 2002 Nov;51(5):748-54.
doi: 10.1136/gut.51.5.748.

Effect of breast milk and weaning on epithelial growth of the small intestine in humans

A G Cummins  1 , F M Thompson
Affiliations
Review

Effect of breast milk and weaning on epithelial growth of the small intestine in humans

A G Cummins et al. Gut. 2002 Nov.

Abstract

Breast feeding and weaning are important physiologically significant luminal events that influence the growth of the small intestine in humans. A variety of factors including genetic preprogramming, systemic and local hormones, and permissive factors contribute and modulate intestinal growth. Here, we offer a view that integrates some of these factors, especially those relating to breast feeding and weaning.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The small intestine has two patterns of growth. Firstly, there is cylindrical organ growth in length and diameter, and secondly, there is luminal mucosal growth with amplification of the internal surface area by submucosal folds and villi.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Intestinal crypt fission in human infants, children, and adults. Data are given as mean (SEM) (n=number of subjects). Means of groups were compared using Peritz’ F test.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Intestinal morphometry in infants of 2–6 months of age who were entirely breast fed compared with those who were bottle fed. Graphs were drawn from a study by Thompson and colleagues.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Villus area, crypt length, and crypt cell proliferation (mitotic count per crypt) in human infants compared with adult subjects. Graphs were drawn from a study by Thompson and colleagues.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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