IMMUNOCYTOCHEMICAL DEMONSTRATION THAT HUMAN DUODENAL BRUNNERS GLANDS MAY PARTICIPATE IN INTESTINAL DEFENSE

The immunocytochemical demonstration of IgA and IgM in some secretory units of human Brunner's glands, associated with the presence of secre tory component in all secretory cells, indicates the possibility that these glands assist the function of the intestinal crypts in transport ing immunoglobulins into the gut lumen. In addition, the presence of m uramidase (lysozyme) in the cells of the secretory units suggests that Brunner's glands continuously secrete bactericidal enzyme, thus reinf orcing the function of the Paneth cells as contributors to nonspecific defence (innate immunity) in the intestinal tract.