Perineural and intraneural inflammatory infiltrates in the intestines of patients with systemic connective-tissue disease.

Intestinal biopsy specimens were examined from patients with connective-tissue diseases who had symptoms that were thought to represent early gastrointestinal involvement by the disease. Specimens from the small and large intestines contained eosinophils and mast cells, in close association with Meissner's and Auerbach's plexuses. The intimate association of mast cells and eosinophils in various stages of activation and degranulation with nerves was confirmed by electron microscopy. These cells, particularly the eosinophil with its neurotoxic potential, in close proximity to the intramural nerves may contribute to the recognized motor disorders in patients with scleroderma and similar connective-tissue diseases.