Leukocyte migration inhibitory factor (LMIF) release by human colonic lymphocytes

Lamina proprial lymphocytes (LPL), isolated by an EDTA-collagenase technique from patients with various colonic diseases, were investigated for LMIF release in vitro. On stimulation with the preparation of Kunin antigen, macrophage-depleted LPL from patients with severely or moderately active ulcerative colitis showed LMIF release which was significantly greater than that observed using LPL from patients with mild colitis or from those with other diseases of the large bowel, including Crohn's disease. Results similar to those obtained with LPL were found with the corresponding peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) stimulated by the preparation of Kunin antigen. In contrast, nonspecific stimulation in vitro with Concanavalin A showed no differences in LMIF releases by the LPL or PBL in the various disease groups. It is suggested that hypersensitivity to Kunin antigen may have pathogenic significance in ulcerative colitis.