Multiple caspases mediate acute renal cell apoptosis induced by bacterial cell wall components.

The stimulus for caspase-mediated renal cell apoptosis in septic acute renal failure (ARF) is unclear. To demonstrate the nephrotoxic effects of bacterial cell wall components, the anti-cellular activity of bacterial muropeptides (muramyl dipeptides), peptidoglycans, and lipopolysaccharides was investigated in rabbit kidney cells. Changes in the cell membrane (APOPercentage™ dye uptake), caspase activities, and DNA degradation were quantified colorimetrically and using densitometric assays and their inhibition by caspase-specific and pan-caspase inhibitors was determined.