Paneth cells and adult coeliac disease.

The number of Paneth cells in patients suffering from coeliac disease was compared with the control group (without gastrointestinal trouble) in this study. Samples of the intestinal mucosa from the jejunum were obtained with a bioptic capsule. Semithin sections (0.5-1 microns) were stained with toluidine blue and photographed and 100 crypts of Lieberkühn were photographed in every section. Every crypt had to contain one Paneth cell at least. The Paneth cells were counted on an enlarger. Acidophil secretory granules in the apical parts of the cells were significant for their identification. The material consisted of 10 patients suffering from coeliac disease and 1 patient with dermatitis herpetiformis. The control group consisted of 5 persons. The results revealed a statistically significant increase in the number of Paneth cells for the patients suffering from coeliac disease and for the one with dermatitis herpetiformis.