Fig. 3

MP mice had increased interstitial fibrosis & basal fibronectin mRNA, and IL-18 mRNA expression. (A) Blinded masson’s trichrome staining analysis of X2 sections on Aperio Image Scope showed increased % of interstitial fibrosis in the heart in MP compared to NP mice, (B) with no differences in perivascular staining as % of fibrosis to area of vessel wall. (C) RT-qPCR analysis showed increased basal fibronectin (Fn1), with no alteration in (D–G) Collagen (Col) 1a1, 3a1, alpha smooth muscle actin (acta2) & transforming growth factor β1 (Tgfb1) (mRNA expression. The inflammatory marker (H) Interleukin 18 (Il18) was increased, while there were no significant shift in (I) Il1b (J) Nod like receptor pryin domain containing 3 (Nlrp3), (K) tumor necrosis factor α (Tnfa), (L) Il6 & (M) Il10 mRNA expression in the mid-section of the heart. MP, n = 8, NP, n = 8. *P < 0.05, ns = P > 0.05 vs. NP group. Unpaired two tailed t-test, with Mann–Whitney test for post hoc analysis. Data are presented as mean ± SEM.