Figure 4. Activation of β-catenin in rat SC after CCI treatment.
(A) Western blot analysis showing time course for the expression of β-catenin and active β-catenin (n = 4). Representative bands are shown at the top; data summary is shown at the bottom (mean ± SEM). One-way ANOVA, **P < 0.01 versus naive and sham. (B) Western blot analysis showing active β-catenin nuclear protein expression (n = 4). Histone-H3 was used as the loading control. Data summary is shown on the right. One-way ANOVA, **P < 0.01 versus naive and sham. (C) Confocal images showing active β-catenin expression and its transport into the cellular nucleus (PI) in the superficial DH. Arrows indicate some of the nuclear transport of active β-catenin. Note that the bold, long-shaped green stains are β-catenin in blood vessels (indicated by asterisks). Tissues were taken on day 7 after CCI. Original magnification, ×400. (D) CCI-induced mechanical hypersensitivity manifested as a lowered threshold of mechanical withdrawal. Eight rats were included in each group. Two-way ANOVA, *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01 versus sham.