Fig. 2

Hyperfunction of the dopaminergic system in the midbrain of EAMG rats. A The protein expression levels of TH and CHGB in the midbrain were compared between the CFA and EAMG groups using western blot. B TH and CHGB protein expression levels in the midbrain were significantly higher in the EAMG group. C The mRNA expression levels of Th and Chgb in the midbrain were significantly elevated in the EAMG group. D Representative immunohistochemistry staining of TH in the midbrain was performed at 200 μm magnification. E Higher expression levels of the transcription factor Foxa2 and Kcnj6 were also detected in the midbrain. No significant difference was observed in the expression of the Nurr1 gene. F Gene expression of Drd1-5 and Slc6a3 genes in the midbrain revealed that Drd1, Drd3, Drd5, and Slc6a3 showed significantly higher levels in the EAMG group, while Drd2 and Drd4 did not show the significant difference. Statistical analysis was performed using t tests, *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, ***P < 0.001, ****P < 0.0001, ns = no significant difference