Evidence of local eosinophil activation and altered mucosal permeability in collagenous colitis

The local release of the inflammatory mediators eosinophil cationic protein and myeloperoxidase and the permeability marker albumin was studied in col lagenous colitis using a new technique for segmental perfusion of the rectu m and descending colon. Perfusion of both segments was successful in 19/25 (76%) of patients with collagenous colitis and controls with noninflammator y conditions. The concentration of myeloperoxidase was increased in the per fusion fluids from both segments in only one patient with collagenous colit is and in none of the controls. On the other hand, concentrations of eosino phil cationic protein and albumin in the perfusate from the rectum were sig nificantly increased in collagenous colitis compared with controls, and sim ilar trends were seen in the perfusates from the descending colon. Furtherm ore, there was a significant correlation between the increased concentratio ns of eosinophil cationic protein and albumin, indicating a possible relati on between eosinophil activation and disturbed mucosal permeability in coll agenous colitis.