Fig. 7

Histological analysis of IL-10 effect on macrophage phenotype. Sagittal sections of spinal cord containing the injury site were sectioned 10 μm thick and stained for all macrophages (TL), M1 macrophages (MARCO), and M2c macrophages (CD163) 7 weeks post-injury. TL stained sagittal section from a Control rat displaying the numerous macrophages labeled in the injury site (a) and a high magnification image showing the amoeboid form of an individual macrophage (b). Box shown in (a) is the location in the epicenter of the injury where representative micrographs of each group were taken (c). The area of tissue stained for macrophages and each phenotype were measured (d) and the ratio of MARCO to CD163 present in each group was calculated (e). The ratio of CD163 to MARCO was significantly higher in the MCMs+IL-10 group when compared to Controls, Local IL-10, and MCMs. *P < 0.05 (Tukey’s Test); error bars represent ± SEM; n = 5