Urocortin 1-induced reduction in overexpression of VEGF in kidneys of DN rats. Representative micrographs of DAB-stained paraffin sections showed urocortin 1 treatment decreased the overexpression of VEGF (magnification ×400). (A). Negative. (B). Glomeruli of normal rats. (C). Glomeruli of DN rats. (D). Glomeruli of DN rats treated with urocortin 1. (E). Glomeruli of DN rats treated with urocortin 1 + astressin. The per cent VEGF area (F) was decreased by urocortin 1, and astressin reversed such effect. *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01 compared with DN; ^#P < 0.05 compared with DN + ucn; ^$P < 0.05, ^$$P < 0.01 compared with normal. n= 10. DAB, 3,3-diaminobenzidine; DN, diabetic nephropathy; VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor.