Secretin cells in coeliac disease

Abstract

Immunofluorescence (anti secretin), cytochemical, and ultrastructural studies were carried out on jejunal biopsies from 16 children with celiac disease and from 17 controls with suspected malabsorption but normal jejunal morphology. In 11 of the 16 celiacs there was generalized hyperplasia of endocrine cells and, specifically, of the secretin (S) cells. Further studies, on adult celiacs as well as on children, combined with serum secretin assays, may establish whether the S cells are abnormally storing hormone because of inability to release it or because of excess production.