| Theme |
Inflammation of Gastric Mucosa |
| Title |
Cellular Functions and Roles of Eosinophils in Gastritis, and a Review of Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis |
| Author |
Shuji Kanayama |
Second Department of Medicine, Osaka University School of Medicine |
| Author |
Yasuhisa Shinomura |
Second Department of Medicine, Osaka University School of Medicine |
| [ Summary ] |
A major beneficial function of eosinophils is participating in host defense againist helminthic parasites. This putatively beneficial role is contrasted with the deleterious effects of eosinophils as idenified with allergic diseases. Significant eosinophilic infiltration and degranulation are both found in the gastric mucosa of patients with H.pylori-associated chronic gastritis or in patients with Crohn's gastritis. The severity of chronic gastritis is significantly correlated with the eosinophil score. Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is an uncommon disease characterized by eosinophilic infiltration of the entire gastrointestinal tract, from esophagus to rectum. Although it is clear that eosinophils are major participants in pathogenesis of eosinophilic gastroenteritis, the roles of eosinophil infiltration in H.pylori-associated gastritis or Crohn's gastritis remain to be investigated. |