Intra-epidermal Nerve Fibers Density and Nociception in EPO-Treated Type 1 Diabetic Rats with Peripheral Neuropathy - Tissue-Protective Cytokines: Methods and Protocols - page 202

Fig. 6 EPO restores intra-epidermal nerve fiber (IENF) density in diabetic rats. At the end of therapeutic schedule
STZ significantly reduces IENF density in diabetic group and EPO completely restore the skin innervation.
( a ) Microphotographs are PGP 9.5 immunostaining in 20 m). ( b ) Quanti fi cation

of IENF density. Data are expressed as the number of linear density of IENF and are mean ± SEM. Groups
names as in Fig. 2 . ** P < 0.01 vs. STZ, * P < 0.05 vs. STZ, # P < 0.01 vs. CTRL and CTRL + EPO

μ m-thick sections (bar = 50 μ

4 Notes

1. pH of 7.4 extremely important. pH too low: add DIBA—pH
too high: add MONO.
2. Neurotoxic: prepare solutions under hood, behind protective
glass.
3. Do not allow temperature to exceed 60°C or you will make
formic acid.
4. To make PLP 2% fix for skin biopsies: make fresh on the same
day as biopsy.
5. This solution has to be done fresh for each time needed.
6. Although NCV and cutaneous fibers affect different fiber
populations (i.e., predominately large-diameter vs. small-
diameter myelinated fibers), the decrease in IENF density