Fig. 5

Opposing effects of apoE2 and apoE4 on microglial phagocytic ability upon cuprizone-induced demyelination. A Brain samples from CPZ-treated apoE-TR mice (n = 12–13/genotype) were subjected to immunofluorescence staining for dMBP (for myelin debris) and Iba1 (for microglia). Representative images of dMBP⁺ (Red) and Iba1⁺ (Green) microglia in the CC region of apoE-TR mice treated with CPZ. Blue, DAPI. Scale bar, 15 µm. B The percentage of dMBP-accumulated microglia (pointed by arrow) in the CC of experimental mice was quantified. C Brain samples from CPZ-treated apoE-TR mice (n = 16/genotype) were subjected to immunofluorescence staining for CD68 (for microglial phagocytosis) and Iba1 (for microglia). Representative images of CD68⁺ (Green) and Iba1⁺ (Red) microglia in the CC region of apoE-TR mice treated with CPZ. Blue, DAPI. Scale bar, 35 µm. D The percentage of CD68⁺ area in the CC of experimental mice was quantified. Values are mean ± SEM. One-way ANOVA. * P < 0.05; ** P < 0.01. E The ratio of CD68 signal normalized to Iba1⁺ microglial signal was quantified. F The expression of cd68 was examined by real-time PCR (n = 5–6 mice per group). Values are mean ± SEM. Two-way ANOVA. ** P < 0.01. N.S., not significant