Comparative histology of wild-type and p53-deficient medaka (Oryzias latipes): nephrotoxic effect of ultraviolet A radiation

Abstract

Ultraviolet radiation is an ecological factor that directly affects terrestrial organisms through suppression of immunity or damage to internal organs. The present study assessed the effects of ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation on the kidneys of both wild-type (WT) and p53-deficient medaka (Oryzias latipes) and evaluated which strain was more resistant to the effects of UVA. Fish were divided into four groups: control group 1 (Cwt and Cp53), kept for 3 days without UVA exposure; group 2 (1wt and 1p53), fish exposed daily to UVA for 1 h day⁻¹ for 3 days; group 3 (2wt and 2p53), fish exposed daily to UVA for 2 h day⁻¹ for 3 days; and group 4 (3wt and 3p53), fish exposed daily to UVA for 3 h day⁻¹ for 3 days. Samples of tissues were obtained 24 h after UVA exposure. The most obvious histopathological changes induced by UVA radiation in kidney tissues of both strains of medaka (WT and p53-deficient) were high levels of vacuolation of tubular cells followed by necrosis. The tubular segments lost their normal shape which appeared like a network structure and their cells with clear cytoplasm. Necrosis of lymphoid tissues and spots of brown pigmentation (possibly melanomacrophages) were sporadically seen in interstitial lymphoid tissues, while shrinkage of glomeruli, diminution of periodic acid–Schiff staining, and increased amount of collagenous fibers were observed. Our results confirmed the harmful effects of UVA radiation on kidney tissues of both WT and p53-deficient medaka. However, WT medaka was affected more than p53-deficient medaka.