Spatial distribution and histogenesis of colorectal Paneth cell metaplasia in idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease

Abstract

Paneth cell metaplasia is a non-specific phenomenon in the proximal colon, but distal PCM, which occurs exclusively in affected mucosa, is a useful marker indicating IBD, even in the inactive phase. Regression analysis suggests that repair and regeneration may be the most potent stimuli causing PCM.