Pro-inflammatory mediators hold important functions in human body in response to 
infection, trauma and vascular disease. However, their action is down regulated 
by the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines, thus restoring a balance which 
reflects the immune status of a given individual. Recent studies have stressed 
out the importance of circulating levels of cytokines for forensic purposes even 
if there is a lack of studies regarding the role of post-mortem 
mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue. In this respect, Peyer's patches (PP), 
represent one of the most important immunological site of the body and the major 
component of the gut -associated lymphoid tissue. The aim of this study was to 
evaluate post-mortem PP immune response in 40 serial autopsy cases of people who 
died from natural and traumatic death. The study examined spontaneous release of 
the following cytokines by fresh isolated PP cells: interleukin (IL)-12, tumor 
necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, IL-10, IL-6, IL-1 beta, and IL-8. Results will show 
that higher levels of TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-1 beta, and IL-8 are statistically 
correlated with the traumatic death group. From a forensic point of view these 
data demonstrate that fundamental lymphoid organs, such as PP, may have a 
potential in diagnosing the cause of death.