Figure 3

PDGFαR and MBP mRNAs expression level in the spinal cord. mRNA levels were studied by real-time PCR. Results are expressed as relative gene expression, from data obtained by using the equation 2^-ΔΔC_T . Results are presented as mean ± SEM. Eight animals were included in each group (male and female) at each time point. Panels A and B refers to the gender effect in control groups, panels C and D refers to the disease effect. PDGFαR mRNA expression level was higher in control males than in control females (A. Student's t test *p = 0.0175), and MBP mRNA in control males was 6 times higher than in control females (B. Student's t test ***p < 0.0004). C: Relative expression of PDGFαR mRNA temporal profile in EAE animals at 14, 21 and 40 DPI, in females (white triangle) and males (black circle), compared with respective/own sex control group. The statistical analysis (two-way ANOVA) indicates a gender effect (*** p < 0.0001, F(1,50) = 18.08) and a disease effect (* p = 0.0259, F(3,50) = 3.358; Bonferroni post-test: control, * p < 0.05). D: Relative expression of MBP mRNA in EAE at the different disease phases compared with control sex group. The statistical analysis (two-way ANOVA) indicates a gender effect (*** p < 0.0001, F(1,46) = 51.51) and a disease effect (*** p = 0.0004, F(3,46) = 7.454; Bonferroni post-test: control, ** p < 0.01; 14 DPI, ** p < 0.01; 21 DPI, *** p < 0.001; 40 DPI, * p < 0.05).