Fig. 1

Knockdown of CB2R on astrocytes exacerbates the pathology of MPTP-induced PD mice. A Schematic representation of the experimental procedure. The CB2R -AAVs were injected into the midbrain of mice, and after 4 weeks, the mice were induced with MPTP to establish a subacute PD model. Behavioral and biological tests were performed in the following weeks. B The trajectory of the mice in the open field test, with statistical data for distance traveled and velocity shown in C and D, respectively (n = 10). Time recorded for each mouse in the pole test (E) and rotarod test (F), respectively (n = 10). G, H Determination of DA and DOPAC neurotransmitter levels in the striatum of mice by HPLC (n = 5). I Immunohistochemistry staining for TH-positive neurons in the midbrain of mice (scale bar, 200 μm and 100 μm), with stereological counts shown in J (n = 5). K Detection of TH protein expression in the midbrain of mice by western blot, with quantification shown in L (n = 3). M Immunofluorescence detection of activated astrocytes in the midbrain of mice using GFAP as a marker (scale bar, 200 μm and 100 μm), with fluorescence quantification shown in N (n = 4). O Detection of GFAP protein expression in the midbrain of mice by Western blot, with quantification shown in P (n = 3). NS means not significant, ^*P < 0.05, ^**P < 0.01, ^***P < 0.001 compared with the corresponding group, as determined by the two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post hoc test