Fig. 4: Effect of luteolin on ischemic rats’ brains.

a Compared with the DMSO group, the neurologic deficit scores were significantly decreased in the luteolin-M group and luteolin-H group at 24 and 72 h, but no significant differences were found in the luteolin-L group. *P < 0.05, compared with the same time-point in the DMSO group. b, c Compared with the DMSO group, the infarct volume was significantly reduced in the luteolin-M group and luteolin-H group at 24 and 72 h, but no significant differences were found in the luteolin-L group. *P < 0.05, compared with the same time-point in the DMSO group. d The expression levels of MMP9 were suppressed by luteolin in coronal sections around the infarcted area of the brain. *P < 0.05, compared with the same time-point in the DMSO group. e The expression levels of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway-associated proteins were upregulated and activated by luteolin in coronal sections around the infarcted area of the brain. *P < 0.05, compared with the same time-point in the DMSO group