<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

Mary Anne Cripe's question was:

" does that mean I could be getting damage without knowing it because I have
no obvious reaction?"

Based on our studies a typical (biopsy proven flat mucosa, proved immune
reactions to gluten) gluten intolerant patient does not react immediately
with clinical symptoms for a gluten challenge (J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr
1989, 9:176-180)..  However, ingestion of GRAMS OF GLUTEN causes several
changes in the intestine.

1. There is an accumulation of inflammatory cells

2. One cell type -so called mast cells- releases factors which factors in
   long-term damage the villi and they also release a factor which

3. Increases the permeability -leakiness- of the intestine, which is a
   temporarily change after a single ingestion but may be permanent after
   repeat dietary mistakes.

I hope it answers your question,

Karoly Horvath, M.D., Ph.D.
Baltimore