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Abstract Increased production of neopterin in humans is indicative for an activated cellular immune response. The intestinal immune system encounters an enormous amount of infectious agents or injurious substances evoking a cellular immune response. The objective of this pilot study was to measure neopterin levels in colon dialysates of healthy individuals and in comparison with individuals under a starvation diet and with patients. In parallel, urinary and salivary neopterin levels were determined in these subjects. The mean neopterin concentration in colon dialysate was about J 0, times higher than in serum. These high neopterin values agree with a great impact of the cellular immune system within the human colon. Common diseases had a strong and prompt effect on the neopterin levels in colon dialysate, e.g. three individuals with acute gastritis had very high neopterin concentrations. In subjects with a starvation diet according to F.X.Mayr, which is characterized by low fiber and low calorie intake, the neopterin levels in colon dialysate were lower. The data may argue for a regeneration of the cellular immune system during fasting.