Fig. 4

Changes in structural molecules in the cerebral microvasculature in EAMG rats. A The diagram represents the structure of the blood–brain barrier. B The relative mRNA levels of Aqp4 and Gfap in the cerebral microvascular tissue were significantly higher in CFA rats compared to EAMG rats. C The relative mRNA levels of Anpep were significantly higher in CFA rats than in EAMG rats, whereas no statistical difference was observed for Pdgfrb and Cspg4 in cerebral microvascular using qPCR. D Among the tested gene sets in cerebral microvascular tissues (Tjp1, Tjp2, Ocln, Cldn5, Gja1, and Pecam1), CFA rats exhibited significantly higher levels except for Tjp1 and Ocln. E The protein expression levels of ZO2, Occludin, Claudin5, and CD31 in cerebral microvascular tissues were compared between the CFA and EAMG groups using western blot. F The expression levels of Claudin5 and CD31 in the cerebral microvascular tissues were significantly higher in the CFA group, while ZO2 and Occludin exhibited no significant differences. Statistical analysis was performed using t tests, *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, ***P < 0.001, ****P < 0.0001, ns = no significant difference