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Figure 3 | BMC Endocrine Disorders

Figure 3

From: Activation of κ-opioid receptor by U50,488H improves vascular dysfunction in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Figure 3

U50,488H protected thoracic aortal structure in DM rats. (A) HE staining of the aorta. The internal surfaces of thoracic aortas were smooth and well-integrated. The endothelium was falling in the DM group, while less endothelium was falling in the DM + U50,488H group. (scale bar: 25 μm). (B) Ultrastructure of the thoracic aortas under TEM (scale bar: 2 μm). In the DM group, the endothelium of the aorta was detached from the smooth muscle, the endothelial cell junctions were not integrated, smooth muscle cells migrated into the endothelium, and more collagen fibrils and irregular thickening of elastic fibers were observed. U50,488H treatment attenuated the changes. Endothelial cells are indicated with blue arrows, and internal elastic lamina is indicated with black arrows.

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