Expression of bcl-2 oncoprotein in various types of glomerulonephritis and renal allografts

Abstract

The absence of bcl-2 expression in normal and diseased glomeruli suggests and supports the reported notion that the mechanism of apoptosis may be available in the injured glomerulus. Moreover, bcl-2 expression in podocytes near intraglomerular fibrotic lesions and in epithelial cells of early adhesions and cellular crescents indicates the deregulation of apoptosis and its possible role in the progression of glomerular scarring. Key words: apoptosis; bcl-2 oncoprotein; glomerulonephritis; immunohistochemical; renal rejection.