Ultrastructure of Colonic Epithelial Cells in Vitamin E and Selenium Deficient Pigs

Pigs deficient in vitamin E and selenium had a decreased contrast of the intracellular membranes compared with pigs supplemented with vitamin E and selenium. Other common changes in the deficient animals included a reduced number of microvilli, with a short and irregular appearance, numerous swollen mitochondria with empty spaces and intercellular oedema. It is suggested that these morphological changes are attributed to the insufficient supply of vitamin E and selenium, though it is not excluded that particular intestinal factors may participate in the development of the lesions.