小檗碱与育亨宾对脓毒症小鼠脾细胞凋亡的影响及其机制研究

 目的:探讨小檗碱与育亨宾对脓毒症小鼠脾细胞凋亡的影响及其作用机制。方法: 采用盲肠结扎穿孔（CLP）构建小鼠脓毒症模型,分为假手术（sham）组、CLP组、CLP+小檗碱组、CLP+育亨宾组、CLP+小檗碱与育亨宾合剂组。CLP术后2 h灌胃给予相应药物,20 h后取脾脏,用TUNEL和流式细胞术检测小鼠脾细胞凋亡,酶荧光法检测caspase-3、caspase-8和caspase-9的活性变化,Western blotting检测凋亡相关蛋白Fas、Bim、Bcl-2和Bax的表达。结果: (1) CLP组脾脏TUNEL阳性细胞百分率显著高于sham组（P＜0.05）,CLP+育亨宾与小檗碱合剂组、CLP+育亨宾组凋亡细胞百分率显著低于CLP组（P＜0.05）。(2) 流式细胞仪检测显示CLP组凋亡的脾细胞及T淋巴细胞明显多于sham组(P＜0.05),CLP+育亨宾与小檗碱合剂组、CLP+育亨宾组凋亡的脾细胞及T淋巴细胞明显少于CLP组 (P＜0.05) 。(3) CLP+育亨宾与小檗碱合剂组、CLP+育亨宾组脾细胞caspase-3、caspase-8、caspase-9的活性均低于CLP组(P＜0.05);而CLP+小檗碱组脾细胞caspase-9活性也低于CLP组 (P＜0.05)。(4) CLP+育亨宾与小檗碱合剂组胞浆Fas、Bim、Bax表达均低于CLP组,CLP+育亨宾组胞浆Fas表达低于CLP组,CLP+小檗碱治疗组胞浆Bim、线粒体Bax表达均低于CLP组。结论: (1) 小檗碱与育亨宾合用可通过阻断内、外源性凋亡途径抑制脓毒症小鼠脾细胞凋亡,特别是T淋巴细胞凋亡。(2) 育亨宾主要通过抑制Fas的表达、进而阻断内、外源性凋亡途径减少脓毒症诱导的脾细胞凋亡。(3) 小檗碱可抑制脓毒症小鼠脾细胞线粒体凋亡途径,但对脓毒症小鼠脾细胞凋亡的抑制作用并不明显。     

小檗碱对非肥胖性糖尿病小鼠1型糖尿病的预防作用

目的探讨小檗碱对非肥胖性糖尿病(NOD)小鼠1型糖尿病的影响及其可能的分子机制。方法40只4周龄NOD雌性小鼠随机分为小檗碱干预组(Ber,20只)和生理盐水对照组(NS,20),监测血糖,记录糖尿病发病率,40周后处死小鼠,分别应用Western blot方法与real time PCR方法检测两组小鼠胰腺内Fas、iNOS、bcl-2、SOD蛋白与mRNA的表达水平。结果小檗碱干预组NOD小鼠1型糖尿病发生率较对照组明显降低(4/20,20%;18/20,90%),平均发病时间也明显延缓。与对照组相比,小檗碱干预组NOD小鼠胰腺组织Fas、iNOS的蛋白与mRNA表达水平明显下调,Bcl-2、SOD的蛋白与mRNA表达水平明显上调,P0.05。结论小檗碱预防NOD鼠糖尿病的发生可能与上调胰腺组织Fas、iNOS的蛋白表达,下调Bcl-2、SOD的蛋白表达相关。     

小檗碱增强阿霉素诱导的膀胱癌T24细胞凋亡

 目的:研究小檗碱对阿霉素诱导的膀胱癌T24细胞凋亡的影响及机制。方法:将膀胱癌T24细胞分为对照组、阿霉素组、阿霉素+小檗碱组和小檗碱组。采用CCK-8试剂盒测定膀胱癌T24细胞的增殖抑制率。采用Hoechst 33258染色剂检测细胞凋亡,同时测定caspase-3和caspase-9活性以及Bcl-2、Bax蛋白的表达。结果:小檗碱呈剂量和时间依赖性地促进阿霉素诱导的T24细胞凋亡。与阿霉素组比较,小檗碱+阿霉素组caspase-3、caspase-9活性和Bax蛋白的表达水平明显增加,而Bcl-2蛋白表达水平降低。结论:小檗碱可进一步增强阿霉素对T24细胞增殖的抑制作用,其机制与小檗碱增强阿霉素诱导的T24细胞凋亡有关。     

小檗碱和育亨宾对LPS诱导的小鼠肠道损伤和肠上皮细胞增殖抑制的影响

目的:观察小檗碱(Ber)和育亨宾(Y)对LPS诱导的小鼠肠道损伤和肠上皮细胞增殖抑制的影响。方法:雄性BALB/c小鼠随机分为对照组(control)、脂多糖组(LPS)、小檗碱组(Ber+LPS)、小檗碱与育亨宾合剂组(Ber+Y+LPS)、育亨宾组(Y+LPS)、小檗碱组(Ber)、小檗碱和育亨宾合剂组(Ber+Y)及育亨宾组(Y)。分别予以双蒸水、Ber(50mg/kg)、Ber(50mg/kg)+Y(2mg/kg)、Y(2mg/kg)灌胃,1time/d,连续3d,于实验第3d灌胃后1h,腹腔注射生理盐水或LPS(18mg/kg,0.2mL/10g)。观察各组小鼠肠组织形态学、肠黏膜重量和绒毛高度的改变;酶联免疫吸附实验(ELISA)测定肠组织二胺氧化酶(DAO)含量;免疫组化染色方法分析各组肠组织增殖细胞核抗原(PCNA)的表达。结果:LPS组小鼠肠腔显示炎性渗出、出血;肠损伤评分明显高于对照组;LPS组肠黏膜重量、肠绒毛高度、肠组织DAO含量、肠上皮细胞PCNA表达明显低于对照组。与LPS组比较,Ber组、Ber+Y组上述改变明显减轻,但两组间未见明显差异;育亨宾对LPS引起的上述指标变化无明显抑制作用。结论:Ber通过非α2肾上腺素能受体依赖的途径减轻LPS引起的肠上皮细胞增殖抑制和肠道损伤。     

人参皂苷Rh2对人骨肉瘤细胞MG-63凋亡的影响

目的:探讨人参皂苷Rh2对人骨肉瘤细胞MG-63凋亡的影响,并初步探讨可能的分子机制。方法:采用流式细胞术Annexin V-PI双染法和MTT法检测MG-63细胞的凋亡变化;免疫印迹法检测Bcl-2、Bax、Cyt C和激活型caspase-3的蛋白水平。结果:流式细胞术和MTT法结果显示人参皂苷Rh2呈浓度依赖性促进MG-63细胞的凋亡。免疫印迹法结果表明,与空白对照组相比,给药组细胞Bax的蛋白表达显著增加,Bcl-2的蛋白表达显著减少,Bcl-2/Bax比值减少;线粒体中Cyt C蛋白表达显著减少,而胞浆中表达显著增加;激活型caspase-3蛋白水平显著增加(P0.05)。结论:人参皂苷Rh2呈浓度依赖性促进MG-63细胞的凋亡,其凋亡过程可能与调控线粒体凋亡通路相关蛋白有关。     

PXD101诱导人前列腺癌细胞PC3凋亡的线粒体信号通路

目的:探讨PXD101(又称belinostat)诱导人前列腺癌PC3细胞凋亡的线粒体通路。方法:PXD101以不同刺激时间和剂量处理PC3细胞,CCK-8法检测细胞的活力;流式细胞术检测细胞的凋亡率和线粒体膜电位;Western blot检测线粒体凋亡相关蛋白Bcl-2、细胞色素C(Cyt C)和Bax;caspase-3活性检测试剂盒检测caspase-3活性。结果:PXD101能以时间和剂量依赖的方式抑制PC3细胞的存活(P0.05),流式细胞术检测结果表明PXD101处理后PC3细胞的凋亡率明显增加(P0.01)。PXD101能时间依赖性致线粒体膜电位降低和Bcl-2蛋白含量明显下降,Bax蛋白含量上升,促进线粒体释放Cyt C蛋白,caspase-3活性明显增强。结论:PXD101通过线粒体途径诱导人前列腺癌细胞系PC3细胞凋亡。     

红藻氨酸诱导PC12细胞凋亡及阿魏酸对神经元的保护作用

 目的： 探讨阿魏酸(ferulic acid, FA)对红藻氨酸(kainic acid, KA)诱导的PC12细胞凋亡的作用及其机制。方法：采用50 μmol/L KA诱导PC12细胞凋亡建立阿尔茨海默病神经细胞模型,然后将处理后的PC12细胞分为KA模型组和KA＋FA (25、50和100 μmol/L)处理的低、中、高剂量组,同时设立正常对照组。采用MTT比色法检测PC12细胞的存活率;采用免疫细胞化学法观察PC12细胞中凋亡蛋白Bcl-2、Bax和细胞色素C (Cyt C)的表达;annexin Ⅴ+PI双染流式细胞术检测PC12的细胞凋亡率;蛋白免疫印记技术检测PC12细胞中Bcl-2、Bax和Cyt C的表达水平。结果：MTT法和免疫细胞化学检测显示,与正常组相比,模型组PC12细胞的存活率明显下降,且细胞中Bcl-2表达减少(P<0.01),而Bax和Cyt C表达升高,Bcl-2/Bax比值下降(P<0.01),流式细胞术检测细胞的凋亡率显示,模型组细胞的凋亡率显著上升(P<0.01)。蛋白印迹术检测显示,模型组细胞中Bcl-2表达量减少,Bax和Cyt C表达量升高,与正常组比较差异显著(均P<0.01)。当采用FA干预后,与模型组相比,25、50和100 μmol/L组细胞的存活率明显上升,细胞凋亡率减少,而且能增加Bcl-2阳性百分率和表达水平,明显减少Bax和Cyt C阳性百分率和表达水平,使Bcl-2/Bax比值增加 (P<0.05或P<0.01)。结论：KA在50 μmol/L时可明显诱导PC12发生凋亡,FA在25～100 μmol/L时能显著抑制KA诱导的PC12细胞凋亡,其神经保护机制可能是通过抑制Bax和Cyt C的表达,升高Bcl-2表达和Bcl-2/Bax比值,从而阻断内源性细胞凋亡通路而提高神经细胞的存活率。     

pSS患者唇腺组织中Fas介导的凋亡信号蛋白的表达

目的:研究原发性干燥综合症( primary Sjgren’s syndrome，pSS)唇腺组织细胞中Fas 介导的细胞凋亡信号蛋白的表达，探讨导致干燥综合征的细胞信号转导的可能途径。 方法:采用Western blotting法检测唇腺组织中Fas、FasL、FADD蛋白的表达;免疫组织化学法检测caspase-3蛋白表达;RT-PCR半定量检测CAD mRNA表达。 结果:pSS患者唇腺组织细胞中Fas 介导的细胞凋亡信号转导相关蛋白Fas、FasL、FADD、caspase-3及CAD mRNA表达都有不同程度高于对照组(P＜0.05)。 结论:导致干燥综合征患者唇腺组织凋亡的信号转导途径可能是：FasL与其受体Fas结合后，通过FADD激活caspase-8，级联激活ICE家族成员，最后通过caspase-3裂解ICAD释放CAD催化DNA降解导致细胞凋亡。     

过表达miR-21对人晶状体上皮细胞凋亡的调控作用

目的探讨过表达miR-21对人晶状体上皮细胞凋亡的调控作用。方法将miR-21过表达慢病毒载体及空载体慢病毒转染至人晶状体上皮细胞系——LEC B3细胞,并将实验分为Control组(未转染)、miR-21-NC组(转染空载体慢病毒)和miR-21组(转染miR-21过表达慢病毒载体)。荧光显微镜观察慢病毒载体的标签蛋白GFP的表达,RT-qPCR方法检测miR-21的表达情况,流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡,荧光素酶报告基因分析验证miR-21与FasL的靶向关系,Western-blot检测细胞中凋亡相关蛋白FADD、caspase-3、Bcl-2及Bax的表达,试剂盒检测细胞线粒体膜电势的变化情况。结果在荧光显微镜下观察,经慢病毒感染的过表达细胞系和空载体细胞系均出现绿色荧光,而空白细胞组未见绿色荧光。与Control组相比,miR-21组中miR-21的表达水平、Bcl-2表达水平和线粒体膜电位明显升高,而细胞凋亡率、FADD、caspase-3和Bax的表达水平均明显下降,差异均具有统计学意义(P0.05);miR-21-NC组与Control组相比差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。荧光素酶报告基因分析证实miR-21与FasL存在靶向关系。结论 miR-21可以抑制晶状体上皮细胞发生凋亡,既可通过靶向性调控外源性FasL/Fas通路参与caspase-3和FADD介导的细胞凋亡,也可通过线粒体途径对细胞凋亡发挥作用。     

青蒿琥酯通过增加活性氧簇生成诱导人肝癌HepG2细胞凋亡

目的:探讨青蒿琥酯诱导人肝癌Hep G2细胞凋亡的机制及活性氧簇(ROS)在青蒿琥酯诱导Hep G2细胞凋亡中的作用。方法:采用MTT法观查青蒿琥酯对人肝癌Hep G2细胞存活的影响,Hoechst 33258荧光染色法观察细胞凋亡形态的变化,流式细胞术检测Hep G2细胞的凋亡率,DCFH-DA检测细胞凋亡过程中ROS的变化。Western blot检测细胞内凋亡相关蛋白Bax、Bcl-2、cleaved caspase-3和细胞色素C(Cyt C)蛋白水平的变化。采用NADPH氧化酶抑制剂夹竹桃麻素(apocynin)预处理Hep G2细胞,Western blot检测NADPH氧化酶亚基p47~(phox)和p22~(phox)蛋白表达水平,流式细胞术检测ROS变化。结果:与对照组相比,青蒿琥酯作用于Hep G2细胞24 h后,细胞存活率明显减少(P0.05);细胞核呈致密浓染色,细胞凋亡比例升高(P0.05);ROS明显升高(P0.05);Western blot结果显示,青蒿琥酯作用后细胞内Bcl-2蛋白表达下调,Bax蛋白表达上调,Bax/Bcl-2蛋白表达比例升高,cleaved caspase-3和Cyt C蛋白水平升高。Apocynin预处理能降低青蒿琥酯给药组细胞内p47~(phox)和p22~(phox)蛋白表达及ROS的生成。结论:青蒿琥酯能诱导Hep G2细胞凋亡,其凋亡过程可能与ROS的生成增加相关。     

Inhibition of Fas/Fas ligand signaling improves septic survival: differential effects on macrophage apoptotic and functional capacity

Signaling through the Fas/Fas ligand (FasL) pathway plays a central role in immune-cell response and function; however, under certain pathological conditions such as sepsis, it may contribute to the animal's or patient's morbidity and mortality. To determine the contribution of FasL to mortality, we conducted survival studies by blocking Fas/FasL with Fas receptor fusion protein (FasFP) in vivo. C3H/HeN mice received FasFP or the saline vehicle (veh) immediately (0 h) or delayed (12 h), after sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Subsequently, we examined the effect of FasFP treatment (12 h post-CLP) on macrophage apoptosis and functional capacities. Peritoneal and splenic macrophages and Kupffer cells from sham-veh-, CLP-veh-, sham-FasFP-, or CLP-FasFP-treated mice were harvested 24 h after CLP and stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 24 h. The results indicate that only delayed (12 h) but not 0 h administration of FasFP demonstrated a significant increase in survival. The ability of all macrophage populations to release interleukin (IL)-6 was significantly depressed, and IL-10 release was augmented after CLP. FasFP treatment attenuated the increased IL-10 release in Kupffer cells. However, althogh enhanced susceptibility to LPS-induced apoptosis could be suppressed in CLP mouse Kupffer cells by FasFP, FasFP did not change the peritoneal or splenic macrophage response. Furthermore, FasFP attenuated the elevated plasma levels of liver enzymes after sepsis. These data indicate that in vivo inhibition of Fas/FasL signaling has tissue-specific effects on the induction of macrophage apoptosis, functional changes, and liver damage, which may contribute to the host's ability to ward off a septic challenge.     

CD8+ T cells promote inflammation and apoptosis in the liver after sepsis: role of Fas-FasL

Although studies blocking the Fas pathway indicate it can decrease organ damage while improving septic (cecal ligation and puncture, CLP) mouse survival, little is known about how Fas-Fas ligand (FasL) interactions mediate this protection at the tissue level. Here, we report that although Fas expression on splenocytes and hepatocytes is up-regulated by CLP and is inhibited by in vivo short interfering RNA, FasL as well as the frequency of CD8(+) T cells are differentially altered by sepsis in the spleen (no change in FasL, decreased percentage of CD8(+) and CD4(+) T cells) versus the liver (increased FasL expression on CD8(+) T cells and increase in percentage/number). Adoptive transfer of CLP FasL(+/+) versus FasL(-/-) mouse liver CD8(+) T cells to severe combined immunodeficient or RAG1(-/-) recipient mice indicated that these cells could induce inflammation. The FasL-mediated cytotoxic capacity of these septic mouse liver CD8(+) T cells was shown by their ability to damage directly cultured hepatocytes. Finally, although CD8(-/-) mice exhibited a reduction in both CLP-induced liver active caspase-3 staining and blood interleukin-6 levels, only FasL(-/-) (but not CD8(-/-)) protected the septic mouse spleen from increasing apoptosis. Thus, although truncating Fas-FasL signaling ameliorates many untoward effects of sepsis, the pathological mode of action is distinct at the tissue level.     

Increased enterocyte apoptosis and Fas-Fas ligand system in celiac disease

Our aim was to evaluate whether increased enterocyte apoptosis was responsible for mucosal flattening in celiac disease (CD), and, since the mechanisms responsible for tissue injury in this condition are unknown, we studied the possibility that the Fas-Fas ligand (FasL) system may be involved. Endoscopic duodenal biopsy specimens from 12 patients with untreated and 12 with treated CD and 12 control subjects were evaluated for enterocyte apoptosis by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated digoxigenin-deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling assay and for Fas and FasL expression by immunohistochemistry. A coculture of isolated enterocytes (targets) and purified lamina propria mononuclear cells (LPMCs) (effectors) was performed in the absence or presence of an antagonistic ZB4 anti-Fas antibody. We found a significant correlation between the degree of villous atrophy, morphometrically evaluated, and the level of enterocyte apoptosis, suggesting that mucosal flattening is a consequence of exaggerated epithelial cell death. Most celiac enterocytes express Fas, and LPMCs express FasL. The abolishment of enterocyte apoptosis observed in the presence of ZB4 antibody suggests that enterocytes are potential targets of lymphocyte infiltrate. These results directly demonstrate that FasL-mediated apoptosis is a major mechanism responsible for enterocyte death in CD.     

CD4+T细胞活化诱导细胞凋亡在原发性胆汁性肝硬化小鼠模型中的作用研究

目的 研究CD4+T细胞活化诱导细胞凋亡(activation induced cell death, AICD)在poly I∶C诱导的原发性胆汁性肝硬化(primary biliary cirrhosis, PBC)小鼠模型中的作用.方法 30只C57BL/6雌性小鼠随机分为模型组和对照组,模型组小鼠腹腔注射poly I∶C 5 mg/kg,对照组小鼠注射等体积无菌PBS,16周后通过测定血清抗线粒体抗体(antimitochondrial antibody, AMA)、碱性磷酸酶(alkali phosphatase, ALP)及肝脏HE染色验证模型.磁珠分离小鼠脾脏CD4+ T细胞,分别以Con A和anti-CD3体外诱导细胞凋亡;实时荧光定量PCR测定T细胞中凋亡相关基因Fas、FasL和TRAIL(tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand)的表达;Western blot检测CD4+ T细胞中抗凋亡基因Bcl-2的表达.结果 poly I∶C注射16周后模型组小鼠血清AMA均为阳性,同时肝组织汇管区出现不同程度的炎性细胞浸润,而对照组AMA均为阴性,肝组织未出现明显病变.模型组小鼠血清ALP[(110.4±18.3) U/L]显著高于对照组[(52.2±15.4) U/L], P<0.001;模型组小鼠脾CD4+ T细胞AICD显著低于对照组(P<0.001),同时定量PCR结果表明:FasL mRNA水平较对照组有所降低(P<0.05),而两组Fas水平差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),TRAIL水平则显著低于对照组(P<0.001);Western blot结果表明模型鼠的抗凋亡蛋白Bcl-2的表达较对照组显著增高.结论 TH1细胞的凋亡缺陷可能在PBC小鼠模型的发病机制中有重要作用,该缺陷可能是由于自身免疫机制引起凋亡相关分子Fas体系及TRAIL的表达变化引起,同时通过上调Bcl-2的表达抑制自身反应性T细胞的凋亡.     

The extrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway in gastric adenocarcinomas assessed by tissue microarray

The purpose of this investigation was to analyze the immunoexpression of FasL, Fas, FADD, cleaved caspase 8, and cleaved caspase 3 in gastric cancer. Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded gastric adenocarcinoma tissues from 87 patients, including adjacent normal tissues, were included on tissue microarray by immunohistochemistry. The tumor and the adjacent normal tissues were positive for FasL in 66.7% and 90.6%, for Fas in 52.8% and 52.4%, for FADD in 67.4% and 82.3%, for cleaved caspase 8 in 27.9% and 37.7%, and for cleaved caspase 3 in 33.7% and 8.3%, respectively. FasL and the FADD from tumor were statistically different in relation to the histological type. Cleaved caspase 8 was statistically different in relation to clinical stage (p = 0.031). The FADD from normal tissue was statistically different in relation to age (p = 0.039), sex (p = 0.055), clinical stage (p = 0.019), and Fas was different in relation to tumor size (p = 0.012). In the tumor, we observed a correlation between FasL and Fas, FasL and FADD, and FasL and cleaved caspase 3. In the adjacent normal tissue, a correlation was observed between FasL and Fas, FasL and FADD. There was no association of another marker with sex, age, clinical stage, and survival. Our results suggest that these proteins mediate the early extrinsic apoptotic pathway in gastric cancer and adjacent normal mucosa. FasL protein binds to Fas protein and subsequently binds to death receptor FADD signaling activation of the extrinsic apoptotic pathway. In this phase, there was inhibition of caspase 8 and, consequently, decreased apoptosis.     

白介素10对脑缺血大鼠神经细胞凋亡的作用研究

目的:探讨白介素10(IL-10)对大鼠脑缺血梗死灶周围神经细胞凋亡的作用。方法:成年雄性Sprague-Darley大鼠36只,随机分为假手术组(Sham组)、局灶性脑缺血组(MCAO组)和脑缺血 IL-10干预组(IL-10组),术后24h断头取脑,TUNEL法(Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated biotinylated UTP nick end labeling)测定梗死灶周围凋亡神经细胞的数目,免疫组化和RT-PCR法检测促凋亡基因Fas、FasL和caspase-3的表达。结果:脑缺血诱导神经细胞凋亡显著增多(P<0.05),Fas,FasL和caspase-3表达显著上调(P<0.05);IL-10干预可显著减少脑缺血神经细胞凋亡(P<0.05),并抑制FasL和caspase-3的表达(P<0.05),而对Fas的表达无明显作用(P>0.05)。结论:IL-10可抑制大鼠脑缺血梗死灶周围神经细胞凋亡,其机制可能与抑制促凋亡基因FasL和caspase-3的表达有关。     

Cytolytic mechanisms of intraepithelial lymphocytes in coeliac disease (CoD)

The effector arm of the mucosal immune system comprises lymphocytes scattered at intraepithelial and lamina propria levels. Intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) are a large population of oligoclonal resting cells which exhibit phenotypic and functional characteristics of cytolytic T cells when activated. Several mechanisms have been demonstrated to account for their cytotoxicity. Among them, one is mediated by perforin and granzyme molecules, another is mediated by Fas ligand (FasL) which delivers apoptotic signals through Fas receptor on target cells. There is good evidence that a flat intestinal mucosa may be produced by activated T cells. The aim of our study was to evaluate FasL and perforin expression by IEL, and its possible correlation with the increased enterocyte apoptosis in coeliac mucosa. Endoscopic duodenal biopsy specimens from 10 untreated coeliac patients, 10 treated coeliac patients, and 10 biopsied controls were evaluated for enterocyte apoptosis by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated digoxigenin-deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end label method, for perforin expression by immunohistochemistry, and for FasL expression by immunocytochemistry. In untreated CoD there was a significant increase of percentage of both FasL+ and perforin+ IEL which positively correlated with enterocyte apoptosis in comparison with controls. All these parameters were significantly lower in treated CoD, even though they did not normalize. Our study demonstrates that in untreated CoD FasL and perforin expression by IEL is increased, and significantly correlates with the level of enterocyte apoptosis.