Electroacupuncture Regulates Apoptosis/Proliferation of Intramuscular Interstitial Cells of Cajal and Restores Colonic Motility in Diabetic Constipation Rats

Figure 5

Confocal images of ICC-IM in each group showing the proliferation of ICC-IM. (a)–(c) In the control group, a small number of proliferative ICC-IM (arrowheads) were observed and displayed a perfect network. (d)–(f) In the DM group, Kit⁺/Ki67⁺ were almost absent, and the network was severely damaged. (g)–(i) In the SEA group, there was also no proliferative ICC-IM and the network of ICC-IM was not restored. (j)–(l) In the LEA group, the network of ICC-IM was partially restored and a small number of double labeled cells (arrowheads) were distributed within ICC-IM. Such cells were in high density in the HEA group (m)–(o), accompanied by a more intact network. Scale bar = 50 μm and refers to all panels.

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