Fig. 5

Hydrogen increased Trx1 expression in the spinal cord of mice. The expression of Trx1 in the spinal cord of mice was measured using western blotting at 24 h (A) and at 5 days (D) after plantar incision surgery (n = 6). MMP-9 activity (B) and expression (C) in the spinal cord of mice after the operation (24 h) were measured (n = 6). D Immunohistochemistry images of MMP-9 and Trx1 in the spinal cord of mice, and IHC score values of mice at 24 h. Magnification: 400×; n = 6. The lumbar spines (L4–L5) are collected and analyzed 24 h after plantar incision surgery. F. Trx1 expression in the spinal cord of mice was measured (n = 6). G Mechanical allodynia after plantar incision surgery was measured using the von Frey test (n = 12). Scale bar: 100um. HRS = hydrogen-rich saline; PI = plantar incision; Veh = vehicle. Significant difference is revealed following one-way ANOVA (A–F) or two-way ANOVA (G) (*P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, ***P < 0.001 vs. sham; ^#P < 0.05, ^##P < 0.01, ^###P < 0.001 vs. PI group; ^$P < 0.05, ^$$P < 0.01, ^$$$P < 0.001 vs. PI + HRS group; Bonferroni post hoc tests)