Expression of endothelial adhesion molecules is a key factor in localizing inflammatory processes. We have evaluated the time-course expression of E-selectin, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 in rectal mucosae from coeliac patients (CD) with T-lymphocyte sensitization to wheat (gliadin) protein. Ten treated, eight untreated CD patients and five disease controls underwent a dynamic 4 h rectal gluten challenge. Seven treated CD patients had a 24 h challenge to evaluate the time-course changes. Coeliac tissue significantly increased VCAM-1 expression [p<0.001 (untreated="" and="" treated="" cd)]="" and="" e-selectin="">p=0.01 (untreated CD only)]-expression compared to controls but not ICAM-1. VCAM-1 continued to increase up to 24 h, while E-selectin decreased after 4 h. These findings relate to an 8 h rise in CD3 (+) lymphocytes [p<0.05 (treated)]="" and="" a="" 4="" h="" rise="" in="" neutrophils="">p<0.005). this="" approach="" permits="" a="" novel="" study="" of="" the="" inflammatory="" response="" to="" a="" known="" immunogen="" in="" human="">