Strictures in Crohn’s disease are characterised by an accumulation of mast cells colocalised with laminin but not with fibronectin or vitronectin

Abstract

The large accumulation of mast cells in the muscle layer of strictured bowel suggests a functional role for these cells in the hypertrophic and fibrotic response of the smooth muscle cells. The colocalisation with laminin indicates a mechanism of interaction between smooth muscle cells and mast cells that may be important in the role of mast cells in the process of fibrosis.