Abstract: Methods for measuring at least one mucosally released neuroendocrine gut system component in an individual and methods for diagnosing a gastrointestinal disorder in an individual based on the concentration of at least one mucosally released neuroendocrine gut system component, and/or the ratio of the concentrations of at least one mucosally released neuroendocrine gut system component and at least one mucosally released inflammatory release mediator are provided.

Abstract: Methods for measuring at least one mucosally released neuroendocrine gut system component in an individual and methods for diagnosing a gastrointestinal disorder in an individual based on the concentration of at least one mucosally released neuroendocrine gut system component, and/or the ratio of the concentrations of at least one mucosally released neuroendocrine gut system component and at least one mucosally released inflammatory release mediator are provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for taking an intestinal sample of a human or animal patient comprises a holder part (1) and an expandable part (2) supported by the holder part and having one or more sampling areas (8) on the surface thereof. The expandable part (2) is in a non-expanded state rectally insertable into and retractable from the patient's intestine, and in an expanded state, inserted into the patient's intestine, the expandable part is capable of contacting the intestinal wall with at least one sampling area (8; 14). The apparatus further comprises protective livers (7a, 7b) for preventing said sampling area or areas (8) from contact with the intestinal wall and intestinal fluid at least when the expandable part (2) in the non-expanded state is being rectally inserted into the patient's intestine.

Abstract: Hyaluronidase is used in the treatment of inflammation associated with an increased local synthesis of hyaluronan in a mammal, e.g. in connection with organ grafting, hyaluronidase being administered locally or systemically. The effect is to reduce inflammatory cell infiltration.

Abstract: The invention provides the use of a glucocorticoid substance which has a minimal systemic effect in the manufacture of a medicament for oral or rectal administration for non-topical use in the treatment of joint inflammation.

Abstract: The invention provides the use of a glucocorticoid having a first pass metabolism in the liver of at least 90% as active substance, for the manufacturing of a medicament for oral or rectal administration in the treatment of glomerulonephritis by releasing the active substance in the intestine. The invention also provides a method for treatment of glomerulonephritis in a native kidney or a kidney transplant with the glucocorticoid as defined above. The invention also comprises a composition comprising the active substance and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, adjuvant or diluent designed for oral or rectal administration.

Abstract: An allergy-diagnosing method comprising analyzing a sample that has been taken rectally from the large intestine of a patient who is suspected of being allergic, after having provoked the mucous membrane of the patient's large intestine rectally with an allergen against which the suspected allergy of the patient is directed. The method is characterized by: (a) taking the sample in the lumen of the large intestine; (b) determining an inflammation marker in the sample; and (c) taking an elevated marker quantity (elevated release) as an indication that the patient is allergic to the allergen concerned. The invention also relates to an instrument for rectal insertion into the rectum.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for peroral treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and a treatment method therefor are described, wherein said composition comprises 2.5-7 mg of a glucocorticoid as active substance with a regulated sustained release such that at least 90% by weight of the glucocorticoid is released during a period of about 40-80 min, starting about 1-3 h after the entry of said glucocorticoid into the small intestine of a mammal.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device for segmental perfusion/aspiration of intestinal segments, including a catheter (1) having one large central channel (10) and several parallel, in relation to the central channel smaller channels (11-21) which, through holes in the outer wall of the catheter, are used for inflation of segment-delimiting balloons arranged along the catheter and around its circumference, for aspiration and perfusion of fluid from and to different segments of the intestine delimited by balloons, and for release of marker substance. The invention is characterized by that the device is shaped for introduction through the anal orifice, that the device includes two intestinal segments which are delimited by four inflatable balloons, that the device is provided with an anchoring device (2), which after introduction of the catheter is inflated in order to firmly fix the catheter to the anal orifice, and that the central channel is designed to receive an endoscope.