Fig. 8

GXNT ameliorated histopathological changes in the brain tissues in T2DM ZDF rats with DE. The ZL and ZDF rats were sacrificed, and brain tissues were collected for H&E staining. In figures a-e, the scale bar on the left side of each image is 250 μm, while the right side represents the magnified region with a scale bar of 50 μm. (a) In the normal rat hippocampal region, numerous microvessels surround the hippocampus, with abundant neurons and normal morphology. (b) In the model rat hippocampal region, there are fewer neurons and microvessels surrounding the hippocampus, and a large number of neurons show pyknosis (nuclear condensation). (c) In the GXNT 300 mg/kg-treated rat hippocampal region, there are moderate numbers of microvessels and neurons surrounding the hippocampus, and the pyknosis of neurons is reduced, indicating improved morphology. (d) In the GXNT 600 mg/kg-treated rat hippocampal region, there is an increased number of microvessels and neurons surrounding the hippocampus, with a marked improvement in neuronal morphology. (e) The Met 300 mg/kg-treated rat hippocampal region shows a moderate number of microvessels and neurons surrounding the hippocampus. (f) Number of neurons in the hippocampal DG region of each experimental group of rats. (g) Number of microvessels in the hippocampal DG region of each experimental group of rats