Figure 2. Alamandine restored epithelial barrier integrity in the aging colon.

A. Shown were representative light microscopic images of Hematoxylin–Eosin (H&E) staining of colon sections. Histological changes depicted disruption of epithelial continuity with atrophied crypts in the Old mice, which was reversed by Ala treatment (n = 5). B - D. Shown were representative light microscopic images of Alcian Blue PAS staining of colon sections. The number of Goblet cells per villus was decreased in the Old group compared to the Young (*P < 0.05, n = 15 villi/5 mice) that was increased by Ala (* P < 0.05, n = 15 villi/5 mice). Mucus layer was either thinner or absent in the Old colons compared to the Young (*** P < 0.001, n = 6) that was increased by Ala (**P < 0.001, n = 6). Data sets were analyzed by Kruskall–Wallis test followed by Dunn’s test. E. Shown were representative fluorescence images of claudin 1 and occludin immunohistochemistry with nuclear counter stain DAPI in colon sections derived from the experimental groups, Young, Old and Ala treated Old mice. Decreased expression of claudin 1 and occludin in the colons of Old mice were reversed by Ala (n = 6 mice).