Fig. 7

FGF10 is essential for α7nAChR-induced LSCs transdifferentiation to AEC2. a Wild-type (α7nAChR^+/+) or α7nAChR knockout (α7nAChR^−/−) mice were intratracheally treated with FGF10 (5 mg/kg) 3 days before LPS (2.5 mg/kg) challenge and then were killed 7 days after LPS challenge. Lung FGF10 expression was examined by immunohistochemistry staining. b Changes in the FGF10 immunohistochemistry score. c Relative gene expression of FGF10. d Immunohistochemistry evaluation of SP-C⁺ cells in the lung. e The statistical results of the evaluation of SP-C⁺ cells. f The relative gene expression of SP-C. g Schematic model of the vagal α7nAChR-mediated regenerative process after LPS-induced lung injury. N = 4–6 in each group. Data are presented as the mean ± SD. *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, and ***P < 0.00, as assessed by one-way ANOVA