Research Article

Electroacupuncture Improves IBS Visceral Hypersensitivity by Inhibiting the Activation of Astrocytes in the Medial Thalamus and Anterior Cingulate Cortex

Figure 5

Electroacupuncture regulates the expression of the GFAP gene and protein in the anterior cingulate cortex. GFAP mRNA and protein levels were significantly increased in the ACC of rats with visceral hypersensitivity. EA and FCA therapy significantly downregulated GFAP mRNA and protein levels in the ACC of rats with visceral hypersensitivity. (a) Immunohistochemical staining showing GFAP expression in the ACC. Scale bar: 50 μm. (b) The average integrated optical density of the GFAP-positive target. (c) Representative western blot bands of the GFAP in the ACC. (d) Relative expression of GFAP in the ACC. (e) Relative expression of GFAP mRNA in the ACC. n = 5; and vs. NC; and vs. MC.
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