Figure 5: Fractalkine is required for Norgestrel’s neuroprotective effects against rd10 microglia ex vivo.
From: Fractalkine-CX3CR1 signaling is critical for progesterone-mediated neuroprotection in the retina
(A) Densitometry analysis of Western blots for 100 kDa and 85 kDa fractalkine and CX3CR1 in rd10 explants treated with vehicle (DMSO), 100 nM GI254023X (Inhibitor/INH.), 20 μM Norgestrel (NORG) or Norgestrel + GI254023X (N + INH.) (N = 3 explants). (B) Western blots showing reduced levels of soluble fractalkine (85 kDa; green box) in the P15 rd10 retina when cleavage is inhibited with 100 nM GI254023X (INH.). Levels of CX3CR1 were unaffected. Total protein level is shown below. (C) Quantification of TUNEL fluorescence intensity in P15 rd10 explants treated with vehicle (DMSO), 100 nM GI254023X (Inhibitor/INH.), 20 μM Norgestrel (NORG) or Norgestrel + GI254023X (N + INH.) (N = 3 explants, n = 4 technical replicates). (D) Example images of TUNEL reactivity (green) in the ONL of rd10 explants represented in (C). Scale bar 30 μm. Hoechst reveals cell nuclei. Results are presented as mean ± SEM (t-test, *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, p*** < 0.005).
