ABSTRACT
The concentration of DNA increased in the pyloric caeca with starvation although the total amount decreased. Assuming the loss of equal sized cells, approximately 30% of the decrease in the size of the pyloric caeca could be attributed to a decrease in cell number during the initial stages of starvation. Approximately 80-100% of the decrease in the size of the pyloric caeca could be attributed to a decrease in cell number with prolonged starvation. It seems that initial utilization of nutrients in the pyloric caeca with starvation involves a decrease in cell size as well as a decrease in cell number. After the potential for decrease in cell size has been exhausted, further nutrient demands are met primarily by cell destruction. The concentration of RNA decreased significantly only after prolonged starvation. RNA: DNA ratios were 5.4-6.4 in fed individuals and 3.8-4.2 in starved individuals. The greatest decrease in the ratio occured in the first month of starvation. The minimal (maintenance) RNA: DNA ratio is 3-4.
