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Colonic epithelial cells and polymorphonuclear leukocytes in ulcerative colitis. An electron-microscopic study
The American Journal of Digestive Diseases
|March 1, 1975
Summary
This study confirms electron microscopic findings in ulcerative colitis, noting that polymorphonuclear (PMN) and eosinophil leukocytes extensively invade epithelial cells. While not specific to ulcerative colitis, this supports the idea that colonic epithelial cells are the primary issue.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Cell Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- Previous electron-microscopic studies reported findings in ulcerative colitis (UC).
- The nonspecific nature of these findings was previously acknowledged.
Purpose of the Study:
- To extend observations on the relationship between leukocytes (PMN, eosinophils, mast cells) and colonic epithelial cells in UC.
- To investigate the extent of leukocyte invasion into epithelial cells in UC.
- To confirm intravascular degranulation of PMN leukocytes in UC.
Main Methods:
- Electron microscopy
- Comparative analysis of colonic tissue samples from patients with ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and salmonella colitis.
Main Results:
- Polymorphonuclear (PMN) and eosinophil leukocytes were observed to extensively invade colonic epithelial cells in ulcerative colitis.
- This leukocyte invasion was also observed, though less frequently, in Crohn's disease and salmonella colitis.
- Intravascular degranulation of PMN leukocytes in ulcerative colitis was confirmed.
Conclusions:
- The study provides strong evidence for extensive leukocyte invasion of colonic epithelial cells in ulcerative colitis.
- The findings suggest that the primary abnormality in ulcerative colitis resides within the colonic epithelial cell.
- The observed leukocyte-epithelial cell interactions are not entirely specific to ulcerative colitis.