Fig. 6

Genetic ablation of Nrf2 aggravated the depression-like phenotypes with or without CUMS exposure in mice by regulating iron metabolism in neurons. A–G Body weight, SPT, OFT, TST and FST in the different indicated groups (control n = 12, CUMS n = 14, Nrf2^−/− control n = 10, Nrf2^−/− CUMS n = 15 mice). H The level of Fe in the serum of mice (control n = 7, CUMS n = 7, Nrf2^−/− control n = 8, Nrf2^−/− CUMS n = 8 mice). I and J Ferrous iron and total iron in the hippocampus of the different indicated groups (n = 6/group). K Immunofluorescence of the hippocampus costained with FtL (red) and the mature neuron marker NeuN (green) (n = 4/group; scale bars, 50 μm). L Immunofluorescence of the hippocampus costained with Tf (red) and the mature neuron marker NeuN (green) (n = 4/group; scale bars, 50 μm). M Immunofluorescence of the hippocampus costained with TfR (green) and the mature neuron marker NeuN (red) (n = 4/group; scale bars, 50 μm). All images of immunostaining were analysed with ImageJ software. Bars represent the mean ± SEM. Statistical analysis was performed by two-way ANOVA with Bonferroni’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