Pouchitis after total retocolectomy is the most common complication in ulcerative colitis (UC). The immunological mechanisms involved in the genesis of pouchitis are unclear. Purpose: To evaluate STAT-1 activation and IFN-a expression in normal ileal pouch mucosa. Methods: Eighteen asymptomatic patients submitted to total retocolectomy and J pouch, were evaluated, being nine with UC and nine with FAP. The activation of STAT-1 and expressions of the cytokine were determined by immunoblot of total protein extracts from pouch mucosal biopsies. Results: STAT-1 activation was increased in UC, when compared to FAP and controls. Higher levels of IFN-γ expression were observed in UC when compared to control group, but was similar to FAP. 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