Cinnabar-Induced Subchronic Renal Injury Is Associated with Increased Apoptosis in Rats

Figure 5

Analysis of apoptosis using the TUNEL assay in kidney samples from cinnabar-treated rats. Rats were dosed with cinnabar (1 g/kg/day) for 8 weeks or 12 weeks. Apoptosis in kidney sections was detected using an in situ TUNEL assay. TUNEL-positive apoptotic cells are indicated by brown staining (see arrows). (a) Control group at 8 weeks. (b) Cinnabar group at 8 weeks. (c) Control group at 12 weeks. (d) Cinnabar group at 12 weeks. (e) Bar graph of apoptosis index. Scale bar = 20 μm in (a–d). , compared with the control group. ().

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