Effect of LCZ on E. coli-induced impairment of mammary tissue in mice
The mammary tissues in the Control and LCZ groups were smooth and white without any redness or swelling (Figure 5A). Redness and bleeding were visible in the E. coli group; however, in the LCZ + E. coli group, the redness and hemorrhage of the mammary tissue of mice were visibly relieved. A significant reduction in the injury score was observed in the LCZ + E. coli group compared with the E. coli group. No significant difference in the injury score was observed among the LCZ + E. coli , LCZ, and Control groups.
No visible pathological damage was observed in the mammary acinar structure of the mice in the Control and LCZ groups. However, observable pathological injury was evident in mammary acini in the E. coligroup. In addition to damage to mammary acini structure, there was a large number of neutrophils in the alveolar lumen; in contrast, in the LCZ + E. coli group, damage to the mammary acinar structure and the number of neutrophils were visibly alleviated. A significant decrease in the histological score was observed in the LCZ + E. coli group relative to the E. coli group. No significant difference in the injury score was detected between the LCZ and Control groups.