Dexmedetomidine ameliorates diabetic intestinal injury by promoting the polarization of M2 macrophages through the MMP23B pathway

Figure 6 In vivo experiments demonstrated that macrophage clearance can improve intestinal function and epithelium integrity. We depleted macrophages using clodronate liposomes in mice to elucidate the role of macrophages in intestinal injury. A-D: Hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed less severe injury in mice treated with clodronate liposomes; E-L: Immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated a significant induction in ZO-1 and reduction in CD86 levels 24 hours after clodronate liposome treatment; M and N: Immunofluorescence analysis revealed a significant increase in the protein expression of CD86 and ZO-1 in MMP23 knockout mice. Scale bar = 50 μm. ^aP < 0.05, ^bP < 0.01, ^cP < 0.001, ^dP < 0.0001. DB: Diabetes group.