Systematic Administration of B Vitamins Alleviates Diabetic Pain and Inhibits Associated Expression of P2X3 and TRPV1 in Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons and Proinflammatory Cytokines in Spinal Cord in Rats

Figure 3

Protein expression and immunofluorescent staining of P2X3 in DRG neurons in painful STZ rats and effects of VBC treatment on P2X3 expression. (a) Western blot analysis showing expression of P2X3 in DRGs. Top: representative bands; bottom: data summary. (b) Immunofluorescent staining showing expression of P2X3. Top: representative staining; bottom: data summary showing the man fluorescent intensity and P2X3-positive cells, respectively. (c) Expression and colocalization of P2X3 with the CGRP- and IB4-positive neurons. Left: representative immunofluorescent staining; right: data summary. (a–c) Tissues were taken on day 28 after vehicle control, STZ (group STZ) or 4-5 h after VBC treatment (group STZ + VBC). Four DRG samples (each with two DRGs at L4 and L5 from the same rats) from 4 rats were included in each of the groups (a). To obtain quantitative measurements of P2X3 immunofluorescence in the DRG, 20 sections from 4 rats (8 DRGs) in each group were photographed at the same exposure settings and analyzed. Numbers of the CGRP- and IB4-positive cells with immunofluorescence stains of P2X3 were determined by counting 1,000–1,200 cells per group. One-way ANOVA, versus control group; versus STZ group.

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