Z Gastroenterol 2005; 43 - 149
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-869796

IGFR-I, EGFR, and C-MET expressing circulating mononuclear cells in ulcerative colitis patients

E Tihanyi 1, F Sipos 1, B Molnár 1, Zs Tulassay 1
  • 1Semmelweis Egyetem II. sz. Belgyógyászati Klinika

Background: Our research team found numerous Insulin-like Growth Factor Receptor-I (IGFR-I), Hepatocyte Growth Factor Receptor (c-met) and Epithelial Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) positive mononuclear cells in the subepithelial layer of biopsies from mildly and moderately inflamed ulcerative colitis (UC).

Aims: To examine the presence of these cells in the peripferial blood of UC patients.

Materials and methods: 1.1ml mononuclear cell pellet was extracted from 8ml anticoagulated blood of activeUC patients. Cell smears from 0.2ml cell suspension were done. The cells were assayed immunohistochemically to IGFR-I, EGFR and c-met expression. Hematoxylin co-staining was done. Samples were evaluated semiquantitatively with light microscope at 200x magnification.

Results: IGFR-I (5±2% mean/field of view) and c-met (12±3% mean/field of view) positive mononuclear cells were found in the slides. EGFR positive cells occured rarely (0–1 cell/slide).

Conclusion: Based on our examinations, epithelial marker positive mononuclear cells can be found not just in the subepithelium, but in the peripherial blood of UC patients, as well. To clarify the origin of these cells (myeloid or epithelial), further assays need to be done.