Effect of Interrupted Water Restriction on E-Cadherin Expression in Renal Tissue of Male Mice

Abstract

Background: It has been shown that chronic or repeated water deprivation induces renal functional and structural changes including tubular epithelial cell damage and interstitial changes. Reduced E-cadherin expression correlates with epithelial dysfunction and has emerged as a critical marker of renal epithelial health and structural maintenance.
Methods: A total of 60 adult male Swiss albino mice (25-34 g) were used in the present experiment and were randomly divided into three groups (n=20 mice/group). Group (A) was a control. Groups (B) and (C) were exposed to intermittent water restriction during the 45 days of the experiment. Mice were euthanized and their kidneys were dissected for histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis.
Results: The results showed that E-cadherin proteins expression was significantly reduced (p < 0.001) in renal tissue of water restriction animals than well hydrated animals which had appeared as dark brown coloration of DAB staining with anti-Ecadherin IHC. These results were assessed by application of Aprio scope image software program for detecting strong positive results of the IHC E-cadherin protein expression in renal tissue of male mice.
Conclusion: Intermittent water restriction reduces the levels of E-cadherin in renal tissue, indicating impairment of the epithelial integrity of the nephron. These data suggest that dehydration might be involved in early renal structural damage and in the progression of kidney disease.