Fig. 4: GCH1 influences radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis.

a Experimental scheme for Gch1-CKO mouse breeding and treatment. b Immunostaining analysis of GCH1 expression in the lung tissues of mice. Scale bar = 50 μm. Quantitative analysis of GCH1-positive cells in the lung tissues of Gch1-CKO mice. c The weights of the mice in each group were monitored from Day 0 to Day 90. d Compared with control mice, GCH1 KO mice had shortened survival times (n = 10–14 for each group). e Representative H&E staining of mouse lungs. Scale bar = 100 μm. A Bar graph showing the Ashcroft scores of H&E-stained lung tissues from Gch1-CKO mice. f Representative Masson’s trichrome staining of mouse lungs. Scale bar = 100 μm. Quantification of the collagen deposition area in Gch1-CKO mouse lung tissues. g Lung tissues were immunostained for α-SMA and COL-1 and counterstained with hematoxylin. Scale bar = 50 μm. Quantitative analysis of α-SMA- and COL-1-positive cells in the lung tissues of Gch1-CKO mice. h Experimental scheme for the treatment of Gch1-CKI mice. i Immunostaining analysis of GCH1 expression in the lung tissues of mice. Scale bar = 50 μm. Quantitative analysis of GCH1-positive cells in the mung tissues of Gch1-CKI mice. j The weights of the mice in each group were monitored from Day 0 to Day 90. k Compared with control mice, GCH1 knock-in mice had prolonged survival times (n = 10–14 for each group). l Representative H&E staining of mouse lungs. Scale bar = 100 μm. A Bar graph showing the Ashcroft scores of H&E-stained lung tissues from Gch1-CKI mice. m Representative Masson’s trichrome staining of mouse lungs. Scale bar = 100 μm. Quantification of the collagen deposition area in Gch1-CKI mouse lung tissues. n The expression of α-SMA and COL-1 in lung tissues. Scale bar = 50 μm. Quantitative analysis of α-SMA- and COL-1-positive cells in the lung tissues of Gch1-CKO mice. *P < 0.05 and **P < 0.01 compared with the control group.