Figure 10.

The Expressions of AQP and key mediators of its downstream signaling pathway. (a) The levels of AQP3 and 8 transcripts in the total mRNA of mid colons were measured by RT-qPCR using specific primers. The mRNA levels of the three genes were calculated, based on the intensity of actin as an endogenous control. Four to six mice per group were used the preparation of total RNA; RT-qPCR analyses were assayed in duplicate for each sample. (b,c) Expression levels of ERK, p-ERK, p38, p-p38, p-NF-κB, IκB-α, and p-IκB-α in the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway were measured by Western blot analysis using specific primary antibodies and HRP-labeled anti-rabbit IgG antibody. After the intensity of each band was determined using an imaging densitometer, relative levels of the four proteins were calculated based on the intensity of actin. Four to six mice per group were used in the preparation of the total tissue homogenate, and Western blot analyses were assayed in duplicate for each sample. Data are reported as the mean ± SD. *, p < 0.05 compared to the Vehicle treated group. Abbreviations: LoMP, Low concentration of microplastics; MiMP, Medium concentration of microplastics; HiMP, High concentration of microplastics; ERK, Extracellular-signal-regulated kinase; NF-κB, Nuclear factor κB; IκB-α, inhibitor of κB-α.