Fig. 4

MaR1 protected against DRG neuronal damage and improved functional neurological recovery. Immunohistochemical analysis of ATF3 was used to determine the number of DRG neurons after 7 days of MaR1 or saline (vehicle) treatment (A, B). Neuronal regeneration was detected by the Dil labeling of DRG neurons after 9 days of MaR1 or vehicle administration (C, D). MaR1 (500 ng) or saline (vehicle) was administered using the sterile gelatin sponge to the injured region, scale bars = 50 μm. The data are presented as the mean ± SD, *p < 0.05 versus the sham group; ^#p < 0.05 versus the vehicle group, one-way ANOVA. E, F The size and weight of the gastrocnemius muscle were measured after 9 days treated with MaR1 or saline. Scale bars = 5 mm. The data are presented as the mean ± SD, *p < 0.05 versus the vehicle group, Student’s t-test. G–J The local application of MaR1 (500 ng in a sterile gelatin sponge) or NGF (500 ng in sterile gelatin sponge) to the injured nerve promoted motor and sensory function recovery, but MaR1 was more effective. The data are presented as the mean ± SD, n = 6 mice in each group, *p < 0.05 versus the BL group, ^#p < 0.05 versus the NGF group, ^$p < 0.05 versus both the BL and NGF groups, two-way ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc test