Fig. 4
From: The role of nicotinic receptors in SARS-CoV-2 receptor ACE2 expression in intestinal epithelia
VNS on relative mRNA expression of ACE2. a Relative mRNA expression of Ace2 in mouse ileum samples of sham-stimulated (n = 14) and stimulated animals (n = 16). Levels were corrected for reference genes and epithelial markers E-cadherin (Cdh1) and Villin (Vil1) to obtain epithelial fraction. b Relative mRNA expression of ACE2 in human ileum (left) and colon (right) samples of patients treated with VNS. Levels were corrected for reference genes and epithelial markers E-cadherin (CDH1) and Villin (VIL1) to obtain epithelial fraction. mRNA levels of ACE2 were assessed in biopsies collected prior to VNS, and 6 and 12 months after start VNS. Non-responders (red) are patients with no clinical and endoscopic remission. ACE2: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2; VNS: vagus nerve stimulation