The Effect of Copper Sulfate on Aquaporins in Kidney Tissue

Creative Commons License

Kahveci S., Selvi T., Varinli Ş., Bor T. B., Doğanyiğit Z., Öztürk O., ...More

Uludağ Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Dergisi, no.52, pp.1-7, 2026 (Peer-Reviewed Journal)

Abstract


Copper (Cu) is a cofactor for most enzymes and an essential trace element. However, elevated levels of Cu exposure cause toxic effects in various tissues. Aquaporins (AQP) are integral membrane proteins that play a key role in fluid transport, particularly in kidney tissues. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the expression of AQP-1, -2, and -3 in the kidneys of female and male rats following the administration of high-dose copper sulfate (CuSO4). First, the control group (n=10) received saline via oral gavage, while the experimental group (CuSO4) (n=10) received 100 mg/kg/day via oral gavage for 14 days. Histopathological, PAS staining, and immunohistochemical evaluation of AQP-1, -2, and -3 were then performed on kidney tissues from the control and experimental groups. CuSO4 caused tubular vacuolization in the kidneys. CuSO4 administration decreased AQP-2 levels while increasing AQP-1 and AQP-3 levels. These findings suggest that CuSO4 may have re-modulated AQP-1 and AQP-3 levels due to the tubular vacuolization and degeneration it caused; however, the effect of CuSO4 on estrogen levels in females and the vasopressin effect via AQP-2 need to be investigated in detail.