Autophagy and mTOR Pathways Mediate the Potential Renoprotective Effects of Vitamin D on Diabetic Nephropathy

Figure 8

LC3 immunohistochemical staining of rats’ kidneys in all studied groups. (a) Section of C group showed weak immunohistochemical expression of LC3 in glomeruli (black arrow heads) and moderate LC3 expression in tubules (blue arrow heads). Inset: high power view. (b) Section of DN group showed absence of LC3 immune reactivity in glomeruli (black arrow heads) and mild LC3 expression in tubules (blue arrow heads). Inset: high power view. (c) Section of DN + insulin showed moderate LC3 expression in glomeruli (black arrow heads) and moderate LC3 expression in tubules (blue arrow heads). Inset: high power view. (d) Section of DN + vit D group showed moderate LC3 expression in glomeruli (black arrow heads) and strong LC3 expression in tubules (blue arrow heads). Inset: high power view. (e) Section of DN + insulin + vit D group showed strong LC3 expression in glomeruli (black arrow heads) and strong LC3 expression in tubules (blue arrow heads). Inset: high power view (IHC 100x, inset 400x).