Immunohistochemical staining for p-AKT in a cryosection of the cochlea after noise exposure and different treatments. The combination of ultrasound microbubbles and IGF-1 (USM group), IGF-1 only (RWS group) or saline only (saline group) was administered 24 h after noise exposure. The samples were collected 2 h after treatment. Immunofluorescence staining showing p-AKT immunostaining (green) and nuclei (blue, DAPI). This experiment was repeated four times. Scale bars = 100 μm. IGF-1, insulin-like growth factor-1; DAPI = 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole; USM, ultrasound microbubble; RWS, round window soaking.