Previous studies have demonstrated that the cytokines TNFalpha and IL-1beta alter the sensitivity of sensory neurons and increase nociception (Opree and Kress, 2000). To determine whether estrogen levels alter the profile of inflammatory mediators within the gallbladder and result in an increase in nociceptive thresholds in females, we will correlate circulating and/or local levels of estrogens with the amount of inflammatory mediators present within laparoscopically excised gallbladder biopsies. Patients who meet the inclusion criteria will be recruited from University Hospital in San Antonio. Inflammatory mediators, including the cytokines IL-1beta, TNFalpha, IL-8, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-12p70 will be assayed from interstitial fluid of biopsies from the fundus and infundibulum of the gallbladder. Biopsies will be classified according to clinical assessment prior to surgery to control for expected differences in inflammatory mediators in acute versus chronic cholecystitis.