Acute Genetic Damage Induced by Ethanol and Corticosterone Seems to Modulate Hippocampal Astrocyte Signaling

Figure 8

The largest EVs detected on astrocyte surfaces. (a) SEM images of EtOH and/or CTS conditions showing large EVs with distinct diameters and appearances that varied from smooth surfaces (left image) to heterogeneous and intricate morphology (right image). (b) SEM images obtained at three different magnifications exhibiting large EVs with surfaces showing different degrees of compaction and complexity. Meanwhile, in the bottom image, small EVs appear attached to the main formation. In the upper one, no individual EVs were observed on the surface. (c, d) Distribution of the number (c) and the main axis (d) (diameter in m) of the largest EVs (giant), per experimental condition, using medians and 95% confidence interval. Giant EV formations were observed only in EtOH- and/or CTS-exposed astrocytes. ; ; ; ; ^ns (not significant). SEM: scanning electron microscopy; CM: culture media; DMSO: dimethyl sulfoxide; EtOH: ethanol; CTS: corticosterone; EtOH+CTS: simultaneous EtOH and CTS exposure; EVs: extracellular vesicles.

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