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Updated: Jul 18, 2026
5/6 Nephrectomy Using Sharp Bipolectomy Via Midline Laparotomy in Rats
Published on: April 4, 2025
Apoptosis signaling pathway in a subtotal nephrectomy rat model
Xiao Yang1, Yanchung Shen, Zhonghua Zhu
1Department of Nephrology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University ofScience and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.
Abstract:
To investigate the role and mechanisms of apoptosis and apoptosis signaling pathway in 5/6 nephrectomy rat model (SN(x)), the mRNA and protein levels of caspase-3, -8, -9 and apoptosis were detected by in situ end labeling (TUNEL), immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR, Western-blotting 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 26 and 40 weeks after 5/6 nephrectomy rat model was made respectively. The rats in the model group developed glomerular sclerosis and renal interstitial fibrosis. The number of the apoptototic cells in glomeruli, renal tubule and renal interstitium was remarkably higher in the model group than that in the control group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Changes of mRNA and protein level of caspase-3, -8, -9 had the same tendency and was up-regulated wavily in the rat model compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Peaks in model appeared on the 4th and the 40th week respectively. The growth amplitude of caspase-9 was remarkably higher than that of caspase-8. It is concluded that the development of 5/6 nephrectomy rat model was correlated with the apoptosis of glomeruli, renal tubule and renal interstitium. Both of death receptor and mitochondria signaling pathways are involved in the process and the latter might play a primary role.
Insights
The 5/6 nephrectomy rat model shows increased apoptosis in kidney cells, involving both death receptor and mitochondria pathways. Mitochondria signaling appears to play a primary role in this process.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression involves complex cellular mechanisms.
- Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is implicated in renal injury and fibrosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role and mechanisms of apoptosis and its signaling pathways in a 5/6 nephrectomy rat model (SN(x)).
- To analyze the temporal changes in apoptosis and caspase expression following subtotal nephrectomy.
Main Methods:
- Established a 5/6 nephrectomy rat model.
- Quantified apoptosis using in situ end labeling (TUNEL).
- Assessed mRNA and protein levels of caspase-3, -8, and -9 via RT-PCR and Western blotting at multiple time points.
Main Results:
- SN(x) rats developed glomerular sclerosis and renal interstitial fibrosis.
- Significantly higher apoptotic cell counts were observed in glomeruli, tubules, and interstitium of SN(x) rats compared to controls (P < 0.01).
- mRNA and protein levels of caspase-3, -8, and -9 were upregulated in SN(x) rats, with distinct peaks at weeks 4 and 40; caspase-9 showed greater amplitude than caspase-8.
Conclusions:
- The development of the 5/6 nephrectomy rat model is associated with apoptosis in renal glomeruli, tubules, and interstitium.
- Both death receptor and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis signaling pathways are involved.
- The mitochondria signaling pathway appears to play a predominant role in the observed renal injury.
