Fig. 3

BCP induces time-dependent activation of NFκB in vlPAG. a Expression levels of pNFκB in the vlPAG in Sham group. b–d Upregulation of pNFκB in vlPAG on postoperative days (POD) 6, 12, and 18. e Statistical analysis of pNFκB intensity confirmed the increase of pNFκB expression in vlPAG after BCP. f Western blot results showed an increase of pNFκB in the vlPAG after tumor inoculation on days 6–18. g Real-time PCR further confirmed a parallel and significant increase in vlPAG at 6, 12, and 18 days in BCP. ***p < 0.001, **p < 0.01 vs. naive group or sham group. Four rats in each group. Scale bars: 100 μm in (d). Aq, aqueduct