Fig. 5

Gene expressions and histological findings at 4 to 12 weeks after IR. a mRNA expressions of inflammatory (IL-1β, IFN-γ, and TNF-α) and VEGF (A, B, and C) genes in the submandibular glands at 4 weeks post-IR (**p < 0.01, *p < 0.05). b Sca-1 and c-Kit expressions (red, Sca-1; green, c-Kit; scale bar, 50 μm) (× 200) at 4 weeks post-IR. c The graph shows the number of Sca-1/c-Kit double-positive cells in the submandibular glands (**p < 0.01, *p < 0.05). d Detection of PCNA (stained in brown; scale bar, 50 μm) (× 200) at 4 weeks post-IR. The graph shows the number of PCNA-positive cells in the submandibular glands (**p < 0.01, *p < 0.05). e The graph shows the number of PCNA-positive cells in the submandibular glands (**p < 0.01, *p < 0.05). f CD31 (red) and cytokeratin (green) immunostaining at 12 weeks after IR (scale bar, 50 μm) (× 200). Blue, DAPI; red arrow, blood vessels; green arrow, ducts; red asterisk, non-specific expression of blood cells (green expression in blood vessels). g Changes of the blood vessel area (%) of the salivary glands after 4, 8, and 12 weeks after IR. Blue asterisk represents statistical significance between the control and E-MNC groups (*p < 0.05). Red asterisk represents statistical significance between the control and sham groups (**p < 0.01, *p < 0.05). Black asterisk represents statistical significance between the sham and E-MNC groups (*p < 0.05)