A method is provided for treating a patient suffering from apoptosis of tissue comprising administering to that subject a therapeutically effective amount of one or more ketogenic compounds such that a physiological ketosis is produced sufficient to arrest said apoptosis. Preferably the apoptosis is of cerebral tissue such as that associated with acute intractible seizures, particularly with status epilepticus. The method is also applicable to apoptosis associated with administration of topic stuimuli for treatment of cancer, that produced by viral infections, autoimmune diseases or Aquired Immuno Defficiency Syndrome. The ketosis produced is a state in which levels of one or both of acetoacetate and (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate concentrations in the mood of the subject such that their total concentration in the blood is elevated above the normal fed levels to between 0.1 and 30 mM. Also provided is the use of ketogeic material to in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of apoptosis and pharmaceutical compositions for such treatment.
