Expression of bcl-2 and bax in regenerating rat renal tubules following ischemic injury

The expression of the b-cell lymphoma/leukemia gene product two (bcl-2) and bax in the rat renal proximal tubules was analyzed following acute ischemic renal injury. Analysis of rat kidneys after postischemic injury indicated the presence of elevated levels of bcl-2 messenger RNA which returned to baseline levels during postischemic recovery. Furthermore, restoration of renal function after ischemic acute renal failure was mediated by bcl-2 and bax which modulated renal tubular regeneration.