PMNs increase in the colon of Muc2^−/− mice and UC patients.

<p>Colon LP cells from Muc2^−/− mice, Muc2^+/− littermates, UC patients and non-inflamed controls were analyzed by flow cytometry. (<b>A</b>) PMNs in mice were identified as viable (7AAD⁻) MHCII⁻CD11b⁺Ly6G⁺ cells. The numbers represent the percent cells in the indicated gate. The Muc2^−/− mouse shown did not have overt signs of inflammation such as rectal swelling. (<b>B</b>) The frequency of PMNs among viable LP cells for all mice examined is shown. The dashed line indicates the “cut off” value of 0.36% (see text for details). Results are from 17 independent experiments with a total of 19–55 mice per group. (<b>C</b>) PMNs in human tissue were identified as 7AAD⁻MHCII⁻CD15^hiCD66b⁺ cells. The numbers represent the percent cells in the indicated gate. PMN gating was performed using a non-inflamed and inflamed sample from different colon regions from the same UC patient as negative and positive control. (<b>D</b>) The frequency of PMNs among viable LP cells for non-inflamed controls and UC patients with established disease is shown. Statistical significance was assessed using the Mann-Whitney-U-Test; significance is indicated as **p<0.01, ****p<0.0001. Each symbol represents an individual mouse or patient. The mice used were between 8–19 weeks of age.