INVESTIGATION OF APOPTOSIS IN RENAL TISSUES OF RATS EXPOSED FROM PRENATAL PERIOD TO SYSTEMIC FLUORIDE

Aim:The aim of this study was to evaluate fluoride (F) induced toxic effects andhistopathological changes on renal tissues of rats exposed to different concentrations of fluoride pre and postnatally. Material and Methods: Kidneys of the rats that had received 0, 30 and 100 ppm F in drinking water starting from the prenatal period and sacrificed atfirst, third and fifth months wereused in this study. Renal tissues were sectioned and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) for histological analysis and with TUNEL technique for immunohistochemical evaluations of apoptosis in glomerular and tubular sections. Results: In the 100 ppm F group, the number of glomerular and tubular apoptotic cells were significantly higher than control and 30 ppm F groups. In all groups, higher apoptosis was detected in the 5th month than the 1st and 3rd months in glomerular and tubular sections and the differences were statistically significant. The transverse section of kidney of the 5th month rat group showed tubulardilatations, glomerular atrophies and necrosis areas, vascular congestionsandhemorrhagic regions.Conclusion:High F doses administered in drinking water caused severe apoptosis and a marked destruction in rat kidney tissues.