TUNEL Assay

Apoptosis of pancreatic acinar cells was investigated using a TUNEL apoptosis assay (Promega, United States) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The section was dewaxed with xylene and dehydrated with alcohol with a reduced concentration gradient. After dehydration, tissue sections were digested with 2% protease K, incubated at 37°C for 20 min, and then washed 3 times with phosphate buffer saline (PBS). Each section was drizzled with 40 µL TDT (1:10) and incubated for 120 min at 37°C. After washing 3 times with PBS, the section was stained with 50 µL DAPI (1:100), incubated at 37°C for 2 min, and then soaked in PBS 3 times, for 5 min each time. The slices were all sealed with an anti-fluorescence quenching agent, and images were collected under a fluorescence microscope (Leica).