TRPV1 Channel Activated by the PGE2/EP4 Pathway Mediates Spinal Hypersensitivity in a Mouse Model of Vertebral Endplate Degeneration

Figure 3

PGE2 concentration and EP4 expression increased in the porous endplate of LSI mice. (a) qRT-PCR analysis of COX-2 expression in L4-L5 caudal endplates in the LSI or sham group at 8 weeks. (b) Representative images of immunostaining of COX-2 (green) and DAPI (blue) in the L4-L5 caudal endplates in the LSI or sham group at 8 weeks. (c) Quantitative analysis of the percentage of COX-2⁺ area in endplates. (d) PGES expression by qRT-PCR in L4-L5 caudal endplates in the LSI or sham group at 8 weeks after surgery. (e) PGE2 concentration determined by ELISA analysis in L4-L5 caudal endplates in the LSI or sham group. (f) qRT-PCR analysis of EP1, EP2, EP3, and EP4 expression in L4-L5 caudal endplates in the LSI or sham group at 8 weeks after surgery. Scale bars, 50 μm (b). vs. sham group. per group (a, d, f); per group (c, e).

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