Rapid onset of intestinal epithelial and lymphocyte apoptotic cell death in patients with trauma and shock

Focal apoptosis of intestinal epithelial and lymphoid tissues occurs extremely rapidly after injury. Apoptotic loss of intestinal epithelial cells may compromise bowel wall integrity and be a mechanism for bacterial or endotoxin translocation into the systemic circulation. Apoptosis of lymphocytes may impair immunologic defenses and predispose to infection.