Fig. 3: Effect of AU on TJ density, desmosome density, and intercellular space.

After switching culture medium in the upper chamber for 24 h, the controlled and AU-treated cells were subjected to examination by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Quantitative analysis was performed on the ultra-thin sections to measure densities of TJ (a and b) and desmosome (c and d) (both are marked with arrow heads), and intercellular space (e and f). Each bar represents mean ± SEM of the data obtained from three independent biological replicates, whereas dot plot represents mean ± SEM of the data obtained from at least 50 measurements in ≥ 50 cells from ≥ 5 different ultra-thin sections in each group. *p < 0.05 vs. control