[The influence of glucocorticoids on the physiological cell renewal of gastric and intestinal mucosa (author's transl)].

The influence of Methylprednisolone (1.2 mg/kg body weight daily for 14 days) on the physiological cell renewal of gastric and intestinal mucosa was examined autoradiographically by determination of the 3H-labelling index and the cell cycle of the regenerating epithelial cells. Macroscopical or microscopical changes of the gastric or intestinal mucosa could not be observed. The labelling index was not significantly altered compared to the controls. Against this the determination of the cell cycle showed a clear inhibition of epithelial cell proliferation in all parts of the gastrointestinal tract with a prolongation of the postmitotic phase, a small inhibition of the DNA synthesis and a corresponding prolongation of the mean generation time.