Increased permeability of the bowel to macromolecules including antigenic proteins and their fragments. Increased production and release of mediators such as histamine, serotonin, kinins, prostaglandins, interferons and interleukins. The surface lining of the digestive tract is the largest and most critical interface between the organism and its environment. The lining epithelial cells are involved in immune processes. Both epithelial cells and intraepithelial lymphocytes participate in inflammatory reactions.
Epithelial cells proliferate in celiac disease.
Crypt hyperplasia is a common tissue response to mucosal damage in food allergy and infection. Gliadin-specific T lymphocytes are found in the small intestinal mucosa and in the peripheral blood. The density of T cells is increased in the jejunal epithelium, an abnormality considered to be specific for celiac disease. Gluten specific T cell clones activated in situ by gluten play a central part in the pathogenesis of celiac disease. High IFN gamma concentrations in combination with TNF alpha, might be involved in several pathological features of the celiac lesion.