Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Mediates Brain Death-Induced Apoptosis in Rat Liver.

Abstract

Objectives The aim of this study was to assess whether Endoplasmic reticulum stress contribute to liver cell apoptosis and injury induced by brain death. Methods: Sixty rats were randomly divided into sham operation group (group A) and brain death group (group B). Activation of ER stress and apoptosis related protein expression were examined by the Western blot and immunohistochemical staining (IHC).In additional, apoptosis was assessed by terminal deoxynucleotide transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay and transmission electron microscopy(TEM). Results In the present study, we have shown that brain death induces a variety of signature ER stress markers including ER stress-specific X box-binding protein-1 (Xbp-1), and up-regulation of glucose-regulated protein 78 (Grp78). Furthermore, brain death causes up-regulation of C/EBP homologous protein (Chop) and Caspase12. Consistent with this, TUNEL and TEM confirmed apoptosis in the liver following brain death. Conclusion The present study provides strong evidence supporting the presence and importance of ER stress and response in mediating brain death-induced apoptosis and liver injury.