Immunoglobulin E in rectal mucosa of patients with proctitis.

Rectal-biopsy specimens were obtained from a group of patients with proctitis in different stages of activity. Large numbers of brightly fluorescent IgE-producing cells were demonstrated in rectal-biopsy specimens taken from these patients during disease activity and clinical remission. An immediate hypersensitivity reaction is suggested as one of the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of proctitis.