Neopterin concentrations in colon dialysate

Abstract

Increased production of neopterin in humans is indicative for an activated cellular immune response. The intestinal immune system encounters an enormous amount of infectious agents or injurious substances evoking a cellular immune response. The objective of this pilot study was to measure neopterin levels in colon dialysates of healthy individuals and in comparison with individuals under a starvation diet and with patients. In parallel, urinary and salivary neopterin levels were determined in these subjects. The mean neopterin concentration in colon dialysate was about 10 times higher than in serum. These high neopterin values agree with a great impact of the cellular immune system within the human colon. Common diseases had a strong and prompt effect on the neopterin levels in colon dialysate, e.g. three individuals with acute gastritis had very high neopterin concentrations. In subjects with a starvation diet according to F.X.Mayr, which is characterized by low fiber and low calorie intake, the neopterin levels in colon dialysate were lower. The data may argue for a regeneration of the cellular immune system during fasting.