Fig. 1

ARRB2 expression is increased in spleen after stroke and has a positive correlation with the sympathetic system activity. 3 days after MCAO, the plasma levels of A (a) and NA (b) in sham-operated and saline or propranolol (β-blocker)-treated MCAO models were detected by ELISA. In addition, A and NA levels of the MCAO + saline group were significantly higher than those of the sham + saline and the MCAO + propranolol groups. c Representative western blot image shows splenic ARRB2 expression of the three groups. d Densitometry analysis is shown as graph bars for ARRB2 expression level normalized with β-actin. Splenic ARRB2 expression in the MCAO + saline group was remarkably higher than in the sham + saline and the MCAO + propranolol groups. n = 8 animals per each group, and each experiment was independently replicated three times. *P < 0.05, and **P < 0.01 by one-way ANOVA. Analysis of linear correlation between splenic ARRB2 expression and the plasma level of NA (e), as well as A (f) indicates a strong correlation between splenic ARRB2 expression and the sympathetic system activity. The values of the obtained correlation coefficient are r = 0.73 (P < 0.01) and r = 0.67 (P < 0.01), respectively. A = adrenaline, NA = noradrenaline