RESULTS OF IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF THE Bcl-2 MARKER IN THE LUNGS OF 9-MONTH-OLD OUTBRED WHITE RATS AFTER CHEMOTHERAPY

Abstract

The results of the immunohistochemical study demonstrated significant alterations in Bcl-2 marker expression in the lung tissue of 9-month-old outbred white rats following chemotherapy compared with the control group. Reduced Bcl-2 expression indicates enhanced apoptotic activity within the pulmonary parenchyma, decreased viability of alveolar epithelial and bronchiolar cells, and disruption of cellular homeostasis caused by the cytotoxic effects of chemotherapy. The immunohistochemical findings were consistent with the observed morphological changes in the lung tissue and confirmed that alterations in Bcl-2 expression represent an important diagnostic indicator for evaluating degenerative and reparative processes. These findings provide deeper insight into the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying chemotherapy-induced morphofunctional alterations in the lungs and may serve as a theoretical basis for future studies aimed at the early detection and correction of chemotherapy-related pneumotoxic complications.