Abstract: Objective To observe the expression of Bcl-2 in growing mouse kidney under the condition of zinc deficiency and investigate the effect of zinc on the apoptosis of kidney. Methods To evaluate activity, diet intakes, weight and plasma zinc concentration of mice in order to determine whether the model succeeded or not. Immunofluorescence and Western blot were applied to observe and measure the expression of Bcl-2 in kidney of growing mice of zinc deficiency. Results Zinc deficient mouse displayed typical symptoms of zinc depletion, body weight, and food intake had obviously reduced. Plasma zinc concentration of Zinc deficient mouse had obviously reduced. Immunofluorescence staining showed that Bcl-2 was expressed in the intracytoplasm of epithelial cell of renal tubules and collecting ducts. Western blot showed that, compared with control groups, the expression of Bcl-2 was obviously decreased in zinc deficient mouse. Conclusion Zinc deficiency down-regulates expression of Bcl-2 protein and promotes apoptosis of renal cells.

Key words: zinc deficiency, kidney, Bcl-2, apoptosis