Cytokine Production by Human Colonic Intraepithelial Lymphocytes in Controls and Ulcerative Colitis

Abstract

Using an ELISA technique, concentrations of γ-interferon and interleukin-2 were assayed in the supernatants of colonic intraepithelial lymphocytes cultured with or without phytohaemagglutinin (PHA). IntraepitheHal lymphocytes produced low concentrations of γ-interferon and interleukin-2 when stimulated with PHA, but significantly more than when unstimulated (p<0.05). There was no difference in production of these cytokines by IEL from control or inflammatory bowel disease.