Bcl-2 Expression Alters the Threshold for Apoptosis in Hepatic Ischemic and Reperfusion Injury

Twelve wistar rats were divided into sham-operated control group (1) (n = 6), ischemia reperfusion group (II) (n = 6). Bcl-2 expression was measured by RT-PCR and western blot methods. Apoptosis measured by flow cytometry and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUDP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) methods. Changes in biochemical parameters viz. Alanine Transaminase (ALT), Aspartate Transaminase (AST) in blood serum was measured in all groups. After 1 h ischemia followed by 3 h reperfusion, the levels of liver enzymes in group II were significantly (P<0.05) as compared to group I. further, Bcl-2 expression and apoptotic hepatocyte were increased in group II as compared to group I (P<0.05). Bcl-2 expression alters the threshold for apoptosis in hepatic ischemia followed by reperfusion injury.