Figure 4.

Immunohistochemical images of hippocampal microvasculature. H.E staining failed to demonstrate morphological changes among the five groups (Figure A₁–E₁). Expressions of GFAP, p53, and phosphorylated‐p38MAPK within the astrocytes lining the microvessels following SAH were significantly increased (Figure A₂–D₄); PFT‐α (2.0 mg/kg) attenuated the p53 and phosphorylated‐p38MAPK staining intensity more than PFT‐α (0.2 mg/kg) therapy (Figure D₃–E₄). Expression of GFAP could not be altered by PFT‐α (Figures D₂ and E₂). Expressions of both AQP4 and Kir4.1 were predominantly found on the blood vessel walls (Figure A₅–E₆). AQP4 levels were significantly increased (Figures B₅ and C₅) whereas Kir4.1 protein showed a marked decline (Figures B₆ and C₆) in the SAH and SAH + DMSO groups, which could be reversed by PFT‐α therapy (Figure D₅–E₆). Scale bars = 20μm. “Stars” indicated microvessels; “arrows” showed the astrocytes.