Fig. 3From: Prolactin blocks the expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand and reduces osteoclastogenesis and bone loss in murine inflammatory arthritisJoint inflammation and expression of proinflammatory cytokines and of transcription factors and cytokines related to T helper 17 (Th17) cells and regulatory T cells are enhanced in prolactin (PRL)-receptor-null mice with monoarticular adjuvant-induced arthritis (MAIA). Mice null (Prlr-/-) or not (Prlr+/+) for PRL receptors were injected with complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) into the right knee joint once every 7 days to induce MAIA. The experiments ended on day 18 after the initial CFA injection, when all evaluations were performed. a Time course of knee circumference in control and MAIA groups. b Quantification by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) of Tnfa, Il1b, Il6, and Ifng mRNA levels in the knee joints. c qRT-PCR quantification of the mRNA levels of the Th17-cell-related transcription factors, Rora and Rorc, and cytokine genes Il17a, Il21, Il22, and Il23 in the knee joints. d qRT-PCR quantification of the mRNA levels of the regulatory-T-cell-related transcription factor Foxp3 and cytokine genes Ebi3, Il12a, Tgfb1, Il10 in the knee joints. Values are means ± SEM (n = 8–12). *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, ***P < 0.001, n.s. non-significantBack to article page