[Immunosuppressive treatment of ulcerative colitis]

5-aminosalicylic compounds and corticosteroids are standard drugs, which have been used for treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). Although unusually we experience severe active UC, such as refractory cases to these drugs. Immunosuppressive agents are introduced and effective for these cases. In the treatment for UC, 6-mercaptopurine and azathioprine are effective, but it takes a few months until their optimum effect. So these drugs are not suitable for severe active UC which needs rapid treatment. On the other hand, newer immunosuppressive agents such as cyclosporin, tacrolimus have a rapid onset of action. These drugs are very effective, but have side effects. We will review immunosuppressive treatment strategy of UC.