Research Article

Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Mediates the Protective Effect of the Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV Inhibitor on Renal Fibrosis via Reducing the Phenotypic Conversion of Renal Microvascular Cells in Monocrotaline-Treated Rats

Figure 4

Effects of sitagliptin, exendin-3, and liraglutide on MCT-induced renal fibrosis and the phenotypic conversion of smooth muscle cells. (a) Histological staining with the Masson trichrome stain (MTS) and immunohistochemical staining for CD68 and α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA). (b) Graphic analysis of MTS. (c) Graphic analysis of immunohistochemistry for CD68 (×400). (d) Graphic analysis of αSMA thickness. (e, f) Representative western blots and immunoblot analysis of smooth muscle 22 alpha (SM22α). Data are expressed as the means ± SD; –8 rats in each group; versus control (Con); versus MCT; versus MCT + 40 mg/kg SG.
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