Interstitial cystitis.

Twenty histologically proven cases of interstitial cystitis were investigated in an attempt to find evidence of a possible autoimmune mechanism in its aetiology. HLA tissue typing was performed, autoantibody profiles were obtained, and a questionnaire of the patients' past history completed, especially with respect to other autoimmune conditions. An experiment was designed to test the effect of sodium cromoglycate on rat bladders. The results are discussed in relation to the management of patients with interstitial cystitis.