APOPTOSIS AND GASTROINTESTINAL PHARMACOLOGY

Apoptosis is a fundamental biological process that regulates cell numb er and removes cells that are neoplastic or infected by viruses. This review summarises present knowledge of the mechanisms and genetic regu lation of apoptosis in the gastrointestinal tract and highlights areas of pharmacological relevance, In the intestine, apoptosis occurs in t he crypt and possibly at the villus tip, Abnormal apoptosis plays a ro le in a number of gastrointestinal diseases including colorectal cance r, The effects of cytotoxic drugs, chemical carcinogens, nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs, short chain fatty acids, bile salts and anthr aquinolones on apoptosis in the gastrointestinal tract are reviewed. C opyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Inc.