Fig. 2 | Scientific Reports

Fig. 2

From: Synergetic effect of a DSP4-induced locus coeruleus lesion and systemic LPS exacerbates substantia nigra dopaminergic neuron loss

Fig. 2

Noradrenergic neuron loss in the locus coeruleus. Photomicrographs of TH-immunoreactive (TH-ir) neurons in the locus coeruleus from animals treated with NaCl (a), LPS (b), DSP4 (c), and DSP4-LPS (d), 6 months after the first injection (scale bar = 100 μm). Stereological quantification of TH-ir neurons using the optical fractionator method demonstrated significant reductions in TH-ir neuron numbers in DSP4, LPS, and DSP4-LPS animals compared to NaCl controls. Additionally, DSP4 produced a greater reduction in neuronal numbers compared to an LPS insult, with no statistical significance between DSP4 and DSP4-LPS (e). NaCl (n = 4), DSP4 (n = 7), LPS (n = 6), DSP4-LPS (n = 11). Bars represent mean ± SD. **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001, ****p < 0.0001.

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