Figure 6. Neuronal cell death induced by ischemic stroke stimulation in explanted brain slices is rescued by the Il21r transcript containing the B6 allele.

(A) The Il21r transcript was isolated and cloned from B6 and BALB/c brain cortex, and each cDNA was introduced in gWIZ vector (Genlantis) containing YFP. Either empty, Il21r-B6, or Il21r-BALB/c containing YFP was introduced in explanted Il21r KO brain slices that are allowed to express YFP for 24 hours. Graph indicates average cell viability determined by following the same neurons before and 24 hours after OD. Il21r KO explanted brain slices were transfected with Il21r cDNA from either B6 or BALB/c, and neuronal cell viability was compared with transfection with empty (YFP alone) vector. Experiments were performed 3 times using 3 to 5 mice (Il21r KO) for each experiment. Total number of animals: Il21r KO, n = 13. The numbers of brain slices analyzed for empty vector, Il21r-B6, and Il21r-BALB/c were 96, 88, and 87, respectively. Values represent mean ± SEM. **P < 0.01; ***P < 0.001, 1-way ANOVA followed by Scheffe’s test. (B) Neuronal cell viability after OD for explanted brain slices was measured for 2 inbred mouse strains, B6 and BALB/c, as well as 2 Civq1 congenic lines, C.B6–Civq1–6 and C.B6–Civq1–7. Graph indicates average cell viability determined by observing the same neurons before and 24 hours after OD. Experiments were performed 3 times using 3 to 5 mice per strain for each experiment. Total number of animals: B6, n = 9; BALB/c, n = 9; C.B6–Civq1–6, n = 12; C.B6–Civq1–7, n = 13. Numbers of brain slices analyzed for B6, BALB/c, C.B6–Civq1–6, and C.B6–Civq1–7 were 45, 39, 42, and 45, respectively. Values represent mean ± SEM. **P < 0.01; ***P < 0.001, 1-way ANOVA followed by Scheffe’s test.