Cytoprotection

Cytoprotection is a process by which chemical compounds provide protection to cells against harmful agents.

For example, a gastric cytoprotectant is any medication that combats ulcers not by reducing gastric acid but by increasing mucosal protection. Examples of gastric cytoprotective agents include prostaglandins which protect the stomach mucosa against injury by increasing gastric mucous secretion. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins and thereby make the stomach more susceptible to injury. Gastric cytoprotective drugs include carbenoxolone, deglycyrrhizinised liquorice, sucralfate (aluminium hydroxide and sulphated sucrose), misoprostol (a prostaglandin analogue) and bismuth chelate (tri-potassium di-citrato bismuthate).