Fig. 3
Infusion of U0126 but not U0124 in PVA blocks the SNI-induced cardioprotection. a Schematic of experimental design showing the timeline for sham/SNI surgery (D0), intra-PVA infusion of U0126/or U0124 (1.5 mM in 0.3 μL 50% DMSO, D3) and myocardial IR surgery (D5). b Immunohistochemical staining of pERK, an indication of ERK activation, in PVA (outlined by dashed line) from sham and SNI animals received U0126 or U0124 infusion. Scale bar = 100 μm. Immunofluorescent imaging of pERK (green) and NeuN (red) in PVA from SNI animal. Scale bar = 50 μm (lower magnification) and 10 μm (higher magnification), respectively. Quantification results of pERK-positive cells in PVA from these animals. c Mechanical responses of hind paws at D0 (basal) and D5, after intra-PVA infusion of U0124 or U0126 (D3). *p < 0.05 vs. basal group. d Representative images of TTC staining in heart cross-sections. Quantification results of infarct size and AAR in cardiac sections from U0124 and U0126-infused animals (middle and lower panels). Infusion of U0126 prevented the SNI-induced cardioprotection. **p < 0.001 vs. U0124 group. Error bars indicate SEM. Statistical significance was determined by one-way ANOVA (b, d) or two-way RM ANOVA (c)
