Fig. 6.

MI induces increased numbers of α₂AR-positive fibers in the DRGs and skin. A Representative images of immunoreactivity to CGRP (red) and α₂AR (α₂ adrenoceptor, green) in the skin of control rats, and in the skin with referred mechanical hypersensitivity of MI rats. White arrowheads indicate CGRP+ fibers. Scale bar, 200 μm in Aa–b, and 50 μm in Aa1–a3, Ab1–b3. B Lengths of CGRP+ and α₂AR+ fibers in the skin (n = 3/group, **P <0.01, ***P <0.001). C Representative images of CGRP and α₂AR immunoreactivity in the DRGs of control and MI rats. White arrowheads indicate CGRP+ fibers, and asterisks indicate α₂AR+ neurons. Scale bar, 200 μm in Ca–b, and 50 μm in Ca1–a3, Cb1–b3. D Numbers of CGRP+ and α₂AR+ neurons in DRGs (n = 3/group, *P <0.05). Independent t-test.