Fig. 4

Induction of Nrf2 by Oltipraz prevented CUMS-induced depression-like behaviours and iron deposition by TfR inhibition. A–G Body weight, SPT, OFT, TST and FST in the different indicated groups (Control n = 8, CUMS n = 11, Oltipraz n = 9). H The level of Fe in the serum of mice (Control n = 10, CUMS n = 9, Oltipraz n = 7). I and J Ferrous iron and total iron in the hippocampus of the different indicated groups (n = 5/group). K–M Western blot analysis of the relative density ratios of Nrf2, TfR and DMT1 expression in the hippocampus. β-Actin served as a loading control. The density of β-actin, Nrf2, TfR and DMT1 protein was measured using ImageJ software. (n = 6/group). N and O Immunohistochemical staining of GluR1 (sepia) in the hippocampus (n = 4/group; scale bars, 100 μm). P Immunofluorescence staining of BDNF in the hippocampus (n = 4/group; scale bars, 100 μm). Q Immunofluorescence staining of the astrocyte marker PSD95 in the hippocampus (n = 4/group; scale bars, 100 μm). R Immunohistochemical staining of SYN (sepia) in the hippocampus (n = 4/group; scale bars, 100 μm). All images of immunostaining were analysed with ImageJ software. Bars represent the mean ± SEM. Statistical analysis was performed by one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test. Body weight data were analysed by two-way repeated measures analysis of variance. * Represents comparison with the control group, # represents comparison with the model group. *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, ***P < 0.001, and ****P < 0.0001