Irinotecan (CPT-11) and Characteristic Mucosal Changes in the Mouse Ileum and Cecum

Abstract

CPT-11 may produce characteristic mucosal changes in the intestine by inducing apoptosis and cell differentiation. The observed changes are likely to cause malabsorption of water and electrolytes and hypersecretion of mucin. These structural and functional effects are probably the main causes of CPT-11-induced diarrhea. CDDP appears to cause diarrhea in mice by causing diffuse mucosal damage in the intestines.