Fig. 2

Respective histopathological changes of each group (H&E staining, original magnification × 400). Scale bar is 50 μm. (a–d) The control group mice were given IMQ only, and obvious parakeratosis, acanthosis and inflammatory cell infiltration were observed. The changes in the early intervention group (IMQ + 6EGCG) and medium-term intervention group (IMQ +3 EGCG) skin were eased, especially in the medium-term intervention group. (e–h)The N group mice received base cream for 6 days, and the epidermis was very thin. The C group mice were given IMQ instead, and obvious parakeratosis, acanthosis and inflammatory cell infiltration were observed. The H and L group mice were provided EGCG for 3 weeks before given IMQ. The changes in skin were eased compared with the C group, especially in the H group. EGCG, Epigallocatechin-3-gallate; IMQ, imiquimod; N, the normal group; H, the high-dose group; L, the low-dose group; C, the control group