Fig. 4. Injection of Ad-IL-22 stimulates LPC proliferation in the WT but not in the STAT3^LKO mice.

WT and STAT3^LKO mice were fed a DDC diet for 4 weeks followed by injection with an Ad-vector or Ad-IL-22 virus. The mice were then maintained on a DDC diet for 2 more weeks and sacrificed. (A) A schematic diagram of the experimental design. (B) Serum IL-22 levels. (C) H&E staining. (D) Double staining with pan-CK (green)/BrdU (red) antibodies. (E) Quantification of the pan-CK⁺ area and BrdU⁺pan-CK⁺ double area. *P<0.05 and **P<0.01. Representative photographs from three independent experiments with similar results are shown.