Figure 5

Sex differences in the expression of cytokines regulating the generation of Tfh cells and Tfr cells in CIA rats. Lymph nodes draining inflamed joints and nearby tissues (dLNs) were recovered at the peak of the clinical severity of CIA. Bar graphs show expression of mRNAs for IL-21, IL-27/p28, IL-2 and IL-7 in dLN tissue of male and female rats, as determined by RT-qPCR. Results are represented as 2−dCt relative to β-actin. Data are presented as means ± SEM. n = 8 rats per group. *p < 0.05.