Figure 8. Three astrocytic mutant groups were assessed for brain damage markers: ERK1/2^WT, ERK1^KO and ERK1^KOERK2^ΔGFAP .

Deletion of ERK1 resulted in a strong increase in microglial activation in the ipsilateral hemispheres of both ERK1^KO and ERK1^KOERK2^ΔGFAP groups compared to controls. A and B, increased ipsilateral microglia activation both in grey matter regions and over total hemisphere. Similarly, an increased level of Nissl bodies was observed (C and D), the exception being in thalamus where P = 0.06. E and F, increased density of TUNEL+ dying cells in striatum and cortex, although this is not reflected statistically in total hemisphere counts. Analysis at ×20 eye field (mean + SEM over 3 fields). ^* P < 0.05, ^** P < 0.01, ^*** P < 0.001 and ^**** P < 0.0001 using ANOVA and post hoc Tukey.