Fig. 5

TRQ inhibits encephalitis in DENV-infected ICR suckling mice. Seven-day-old ICR suckling mice were infected with DENV-2 by intracranial injection, and TRQ (1.25, 2.5, 5.0 mL/kg) was administered by intraperitoneal injection. The body weights (A), disease manifestations (B) and survival rates (C) of mice were monitored daily (n = 6). Disease manifestations were scored as follows: 0 for health, 1 for minor symptoms (reduced mobility and hunched posture), 2 for limbic seizure, 3 for moving difficulties (anterior or posterior limb weakness), 4 for paralysis and 5 for death. D–F TRQ inhibits the release of NO, IL6 and TNFα. After mice were sacrificed, the levels of NO, IL6 and TNFα in the brain were measured by NO or ELISA kits (n = 6). G TRQ ameliorates the brain tissue lesions caused by DENV-2. The brain tissues were dehydrated and embedded in paraffin. After sectioning a thickness of 4 μm, brain pathological changes were detected by HE staining (100 ×). H TRQ decreases neuronal injury caused by DENV-2 detected by Nissl staining (100 ×). I TRQ inhibits the microglial activation in DENV-infected ICR suckling mice, as examined by immunohistochemistry. Representative image of Iba-1 immunostaining of Iba-1 in the brain (100 ×). J TRQ reduces DENV-2-induced apoptosis in neurons. Apoptosis was detected by Hoechst 33258 staining (100 ×). ^*P < 0.05, ^***P < 0.001 vs. control group, ^#P < 0.05, ^##P < 0.01, ^###P < 0.001 vs. DENV group