Figure 4.

in-vivo effects of Cx43 knockdown on the DR mouse model DR model was induced in C57BL/6 J mice and lentivirus infection as previously described. (A, B) Body weight and blood glucose of mice in different groups were determined. (C) The histopathological alterations in the retina were examined using H&E staining. ganglion cell layer (GCL); inner plexiform layer (IPL); inner nuclear layer (INL), outer plexiform layer (OPL); outer nuclear layer (ONL). Red arrows indicated microvessels. (D) CD31 levels in the retina were examined using IF staining. (E) The mRNA expression of CD31 in the retina was determined using qRT-PCR. (F) The protein levels of Cx43 in the retina were determined using Immunoblotting. (G) The mRNA expressions of TNF-α, IL-1β, VEGFA, and ICAM-1 in tissue samples were examined using qRT-PCR. n = 6, **p < 0.01 compared with normal group; ^##p < 0.01 compared with DR+Lv-shNC group.