AlCl3 exposure regulates neuronal development by modulating DNA modification

Figure 1 AlCl₃ exposure affects adult neural stem cell differentiation and neuron survival invitro. A: Immunostaining of adult neural stem cell differentiated in the presence of AlCl₃ for β-III tubulin (Tuj1) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression (Scale bar: 100 μm); B and C: The number of Tuj1⁺ cells decreased while that of GFAP⁺ cells increased (n = 8); D and E: The relative mRNA level of Tuj1 significantly decreased, and that of GFAP increased (n = 3); F: Western blot assay showing that Tuj1 protein expression was significantly decreased by AlCl₃ at 200 μmol/L, while GFAP protein expression was increased. GAPDH was used as a loading control; G: Representative images of apoptosis in newborn neurons (scale bar: 100 μm); H: The number of newborn neurons decreased after AlCl₃ exposure (n = 8). Data are represented as the mean ± SE (n = 3). Statistically significant differences are indicated: ^aP < 0.05, ^bP < 0.01, ^cP < 0.001. Tuj1: β-III tubulin; GFAP: Glial fibrillary acidic protein.