Inhibition of intracellular acidification

摘要

Methods of attenuating acidification in a eukaryotic cell are provided as a means of inhibiting apoptosis (programmed cell death) in a cell. Alkalinizing agents useful in the methods are disclosed and include organic bases as well as blockers of ion channels which participate in the homeostasis of intracellular pH. Diseases associated with apoptosis and which are treatable by the methods of the invention include reperfusion injury following myocardial infarction, gastrointestinal epithelial cell damage following chemo- or radiation therapy, as well as many other diseases. Methods are also provided for in vitro methods screening to identify candidate alkalinizing agents.