APOPTOSIS OF FOETAL RENAL TUBULAR EPITHELIAL CELLS AS A LATE EFFECT OF ADRIAMYCIN ACTION. IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL ASSESSMENT OF CASPASE 3 EXPRESSION

In previous papers, we noticed that adriamycin given to female rats before their planned pregnancy has a delaying effect under the form of apoptosis for foetal hepatocytes. The purpose of present study was for a quantitative assessment of foetal renal tubular epithelial cells, as an effect means of delaying adriamycin action (apoptotic index). Expression of effector caspase 3 was also assessed. In the investigations, a standard three-step immunohistochemical method was used. The area covered by positive caspase 3 reaction was examined. In the kidneys of foetuses from the experimental group, we noticed an increase in the apoptotic index; furthermore, immunohistochemical reaction for caspase 3 covered a statistically significantly larger range as compared to the control group. The delayed effect of adriamycin, which was given to female rats before pregnancy, was an increase in apoptosis in foetal renal tubular epithelial cells.