Abstract:

Objective  To explore the toxic effect of lead acetate on renal tubular epithelial cell HK-2. Methods  HK-2 cells were treated with 10μmol/L and 20μmol/L lead acetate. After 48 hours, Giemsa and H E stainings were applied to observe the morphological changes of these cells, and expression levels of apoptosis-related genes P53, Bax and Bcl-2 were detected with the immunohistochemical method. The apoptosis rate was measured by flow cytometry. Results  Characteristic apoptotic changes of HK-2 cells were observed in the treatment group. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated that expressions of P53 and Bax were increased, while expression of Bcl-2 was decreased after the treatment. The flow cytometry results showed that the cell apoptosis rate was higher in the treatment group than in the control group. Conclusion  Lead acetate could remarkably inhibit renal tubular epithelial cell growth, promote apoptosis, and affect the kidney.

Key words: Lead acetate; Kidney tubular; Epithelial cells; Apoptosis