Figure 6

Effects of dexamethasone on the expression of p-p38 MAPK and p-NF-κB. The intraperitoneal administration of dexamethasone (25 mg/kg) attenuates p-p38 MAPK expression on POD 7 following inferior alveolar nerve injury as compared to the vehicle group (A). Western blotting analysis also revealed a significant decrease in p-p38 MAPK expression as compared to the vehicle treatment. The intraperitoneal administration of dexamethasone (25 mg/kg) also attenuates p-NF-κB expression on POD 7 following inferior alveolar nerve injury as compare to the vehicle group (B). Western blotting analysis also confirmed this significant decrease in p-NF-κB expression. *P < 0.05, vehicle- vs. drug-treated group. Scale bars, 50 μm.