43. HLA-DR EXPRESSION, NK CELLS AMD IgE COHTAINING CELLS IN THE JEJUNAL NUCOSA OF COELIAC CHILDREN

Abstract

The expression of HLA-DR by surface and crypt epithelium and the numbers of cells of NK phenotype and of IgE containing cells were studied with monoclonal antisera using the peroxidase technique in 48 jejunal biopsy specimens taken from 35 coeliac children and 13 control specimens. The surface epithelial cells stained with HLA-DR antiserum in all specimens. In 21/28 specimens taken from coeliacs when on a gluten containing diet the crypt epithelium showed strong HLA-DR expression, while only 4/20 /p<0,01/ specimens of coeliacs on a gluten free diet and 1/13 specimens of controls had similar staining. Among the intraepithelial lymphocytes no NK cells were found. No difference was found in the numbers of IgE containing cells between the patients and controls. The strong expression of HLA-DR by the crypt epithelial cells in coeliac children on a normal diet suggest that these cells are involved in the presentation of the antigen.