Evidence of local eosinophil activation and altered mucosal permeability in collagenous colitis

The local release of the inflammatory mediators eosinophil cationic protein and myeloperoxidase and the permeability marker albumin was studied in collagenous colitis using a new technique for segmental perfusion of the rectum and descending colon. Perfusion of both segments was successful in 19/25 (76%) of patients with collagenous colitis and controls with noninflammatory conditions. The concentration of myeloperoxidase was increased in the perfusion fluids from both segments in only one patient with collagenous colitis and in none of the controls. On the other hand, concentrations of eosinophil cationic protein and albumin in the perfusate from the rectum were significantly increased in collagenous colitis compared with controls, and similar trends were seen in the perfusates from the descending colon. Furthermore, there was a significant correlation between the increased concentrations of eosinophil cationic protein and albumin, indicating a possible relation between eosinophil activation and disturbed mucosal permeability in collagenous colitis.