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Fig. 5 | BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Fig. 5

From: Ameliorative effects of aqueous extract of Forsythiae suspensa fruits on oxaliplatin-induced neurotoxicity in vitro and in vivo

Fig. 5

EFSF protected from oxaliplatin-induced the mechanical hypersensitivity and neuronal damage in peripheral skin tissues. (a&b) Mice repeatedly received a low dose oxaliplatin (LOHP, 5 mg/kg, i.p., 2 times a week, 3 weeks) or 5% dextrose solution as depicted experimental schedule. Three weeks after first LOHP injection, EFSF (60, 200, and 600 mg/kg, p.o.) or 0.5% Na-CMC solution (vehicle) were administered to each group (n = 6) for 3 weeks. (a&c) Body weights were measured every 3 or 4 days throughout the experiment. (b) Withdrawal threshold (g) was assessed by the aesthesiometer as described in the Methods. Each point represents the mean ± SD of 6 mice. * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001 vs vehicle group and # p < 0.05, ## p < 0.01 vs LOHP group. (c-e) Mice in each group (n = 6) repeatedly received a low dose of oxaliplatin (LOHP, 10 mg/kg, i.p., once a week, 2 weeks) and EFSF (250 mg/kg, p.o.) or vehicle (5% dextrose, p.o.) as depicted in the experimental schedule. (d) At the indicated time point, mechanical stimuli were applied on the mid plantar surface of both paws of the animals using a 0.16 or 0.4 g von Frey monofilament. The responses rates of the hind paws to external mechanical stimuli were calculated and presented as the mean ± SD of six mice. ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001 vs. vehicle group and # p < 0.05, ## p < 0.01, ### p < 0.001 vs LOHP group. (e) After final behavior test, the hind paw footpads of the mice were sectioned and subjected to immunohistochemical analysis using an antibody against PGP9.5. IENFs are indicated by arrows (left panel, × 400 magnification). The numbers of IENFs and lengths of epidermis were determined under a fluorescence microscopy. The number of IENFs within 1 mm epidermis, that is IENF densities, were calculated (right panel, fibers/mm). * p < 0.05 vs. vehicle group. ## p < 0.01 vs. LOHP alone

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