MORPHOLOGICAL AND IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL CHANGES IN RENAL TISSUE DURING CHRONIC CARBON MONOXIDE EXPOSURE

Chronic carbon monoxide exposure induces persistent tissue hypoxia and leads to structural and functional alterations, particularly in metabolically active organs. The kidney is highly susceptible to oxygen deficiency; therefore, prolonged hypoxia results in glomerular remodeling, tubular epithelial injury, microcirculatory disturbances, and in­terstitial alterations. The aim of this study was to comprehensively evaluate morphological and immunohistochemical changes in renal tissue following chronic carbon monoxide exposure. The experiment was conducted on 3- and 9-month-old male albino rats. Histological, morphometric, and immunohistochemical examinations were performed, and HIF-1α expression was assessed using digital image analysis. The findings demonstrated glomerular structural remodeling, morphological alterations of Bowman's capsule, dystrophic changes in proximal and distal tubular epi­thelium, interstitial edema, and impaired microcirculation. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a significant in­crease in HIF-1α expression, indicating activation of hypoxia-related molecular pathways and reflecting the severity of renal tissue injury induced by chronic carbon monoxide exposure.