P2X7 receptor blockade decreases inflammation, apoptosis, and enteric neuron loss during Clostridioides difficile toxin A-induced ileitis in mice

Figure 5 P2X7 receptor inhibition attenuates Clostridioides difficile toxin A-induced enteric neuron loss and S100B synthesis in mice. A: Representative immunohistochemical images of the expression of HuC/D (neuronal marker) and S100B (enteric glia marker) in the ileum of TcdA-unchallenged (control and A438079) and challenged (TcdA and TcdA + A438079) mice. Black arrows indicate positive immunostaining. Scale bars, 50 μm; B: Quantification of the percentage (mean ± standard error of the mean) of HuC/D- and S100B-immunopositive areas in the ileum of TcdA-unchallenged (control and A438079) and challenged (TcdA and TcdA + A438079) mice (n = 4 animals per group). ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test was used (^aP = 0.04; ^bP = 0.01; ^cP < 0.009; ^dP < 0.0001). GFAP: Glial fibrillary acidic protein.