Effect of stachydrine on endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis in rat kidney after unilateral ureteral obstruction.

Our study aimed at determining the effect of stachydrine on the PERK, CHOP, and caspase-3 in rat kidney with RIF. Rats were randomly divided into control group, model group, enalapril group, high stachydrine group, medium stachydrine group, and low stachydrine group. RIF models of five groups were developed by unilateral ureteral obstruction except the control group. The rats were sacrificed 12 days after surgery and blood samples were collected. Serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were detected. Renal tubular damage index was determined by HE staining. The area percentage of RIF was determined by the Masson method. Expressions of PERK, CHOP, and caspase-3 in kidney were determined by immunohistochemistry. Tubulointerstitial injury index, RIF, serum Scr, BUN level, and expressions of PERK, CHOP, and caspase-3 were different between the model and treatment groups (P < 0.05; P < 0.01). The expressions of PERK, CHOP, and caspase-3 in nephridial tissue were reduced (P < 0.05), tubulointerstitial injury and RIF were reduced (P < 0.05), and Scr and BUN were lower (P < 0.05) in the high stachydrine group than those in the enalapril group. The expressions of PERK, CHOP, and caspase-3 were reduced in the endoplasmic reticulum stress-related apoptosis pathway after stachydrine treatment. Consequently, apoptosis was prevented, and RIF was inhibited.