Effect of interferon-gamma on lymphocyte cell subsets in human large bowel: a study using organ culture method

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of interferon (IFN)-gamma on normal colonic lamina propria lymphocyte subsets in humans using organ culture method. Lamina propria lymphocyte subsets in normal colonic biopsy tissues receiving 1 x 10(5) u/ml of IFN-gamma (IFN-gamma-treated group) were investigated in comparison with those cultured in medium only (IFN-gamma-non-treated group) for 24 hr. CD8-positive cells and IgG, IgA1 and IgM-containing cells were elevated in the IFN-gamma-treated group compared with those in the IFN-gamma-non-treated group, which was similar to immunological changes in mucosal lesions of inflammatory bowel disease.