Lectin binding sites in human intestinal M cells

threeto fourfold increase of M ceils (p<0.001). The rate of M cell induction strongly depended on the histological degree of inflammation. EM-studies showed that most M ceils changed their morphology compared to noninflamed mucosa with a strong increase of vacuoles in the cytoplasm and a complete lack of microfolds. The M cell surface often appeared desintegrated while the cytoplasm was usually well preserved. The number of mononuclear cells below the FAE was significantly increased. Discussion: The strong increase of M ceils during indomethacin induced ileitis in rats suggests an important role of M cells during chronic intestinal inflammation, e.g. in inflammatory bowel disease.