Fig. 2

Activation of CB2R as a key mechanism for alleviating neurodegeneration in MPTP-induced PD mice. A Subcutaneous injection of MPTP to establish a subacute PD model. During MPTP administration, the relevant groups were also given JWH133 (3 μg) or AM630 (3 μg). Behavioral and biological tests were performed in the following weeks. B The trajectory of the mice in the open field test, with distance traveled and time shown in C and D, respectively (n = 10). Time recorded for each mouse in the rotarod test (E) and pole test (F), respectively (n = 10). G, H Determination of DA and DOPAC neurotransmitter levels in the striatum of mice by HPLC (n = 5). I Immunofluorescence staining for TH-positive neurons in the midbrain of mice (scale bar, 200 μm), with statistics of data shown in J (n = 4). K Detection of TH protein expression in the midbrain of mice by Western blot, with quantification shown in L (n = 3). M Immunohistochemistry staining for activated astrocytes in the midbrain of mice (scale bar, 200 μm and 100 μm), with 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 one-way ANOVA