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

<jats:p>&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;</jats:p>