Fig. 3

Systemic depletion of macrophages reduces the efficacy of SPION-MSC therapy. A Schematic of the macrophage depletion protocol using clodronate liposomes (Clo-Lip). B Representative flow cytometry plots of macrophage populations in the spleens, blood, and livers from the Clo-Lip- and PBS-treated animals 2 days after CLP. C Immunofluorescence detection and HE pathology of livers from mice. D Biochemical indicators of liver function, including serum concentrations of ALT and AST. E Serum concentrations of TNF-α and IL-6 were measured by ELISAs. Data with error bars are presented as the mean ± SD. Each panel is a representative experiment of at least three independent biological replicates. Scale bars, 50 mm. *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001 as determined by unpaired Student’s t-test