Platelet activation relieves liver portal hypertension via the lymphatic system though the classical vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 signaling pathway

Figure 5 Platelet-rich plasma-induced platelets increase intrahepatic lymphatic vessels via the vascular endothelial growth factor C/vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 pathway. A: Representative immunohistochemistry images of lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor-1 (LYVE-1), vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR-3), fibronectin (FN) and cluster of differentiation 41 (CD41) in the livers of the different groups; Quantitative analysis of B: LYVE-1; C: VEGF-C; D: VEGFR-3; E: The luminal area; F: The number of lymphatic vessels were also measured; G: FN; H: CD41 expression. The data represent the mean ± SD. ^aP < 0.05. ^bP < 0.01. ^cP < 0.001. BDL: Bile duct ligation; PRP: Platelet-rich plasma; VEH: Vehicle.