[Cellular sensitization against gluten in coeliac disease (author's transl)]

The leucocyte-adherence inhibition test was used on 24 patients with malabsorption syndrome, results being compared with those from patients with enteritis of other causes, and those with normal gastro-intestinal tract in order to test cellular gluten sensitization. The test makes it possible to distinguish between gluten-induced and non-gluten induced enteritis. There was a significant linear correlation to inflammatory activity as determined by biopsy as well as reduction in villous length and the villi-crypt index. The results suggest a primary T-cell dependent gluten (or gliadin) sensitization in the aetiology of coeliac disease.