Figure 6

A significant increase in iNOS expression, assayed by Western blot analysis, was detected in the tissue from ligature-treated rats (a, a1). The treatment with Hypericum significantly reduced iNOS expression in the gingivomucosal tissues (a, a1). Moreover positive staining for iNOS (b see densitometry analysis f), and nitrotyrosine (d see densitometry analysis f) was observed in gingivomucosal tissue after ligature. In gingivomucosal tissue of Hypericum treated rats no positive staining was observed for iNOS (c see densitometry analysis f), nitrotyrosine (e, see densitometry analysis f). Figure is representative of at least 3 experiments performed on different experimental days. Densitometry data are expressed as % of total tissue area. Data are means of mean ± s.e.m. from N = 10 rats for each group. *P < 0.01 vs. non-ligated. ° < b0.01 vs. ligated.