*2.3. ADM\_12 Effect on Neuropeptide Protein Expression*

CGRP and SP protein expression was evaluated in Sp5C on both sides. A slight, but not significant difference in the density of immunoreactive fibers for CGRP and SP protein was observed between the ipsilateral and contralateral side in both the IoN-CCI1 and IoN-CCI2 groups (Figure 7). No significant change was seen between sham and operated rats (Figure 7). ADM\_12 administration did not induce any change in CGRP and SP expression either in sham or in CCI operated rats (Figure 7).

**Figure 7.** (**A**) Optical density (OD) values of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) with representative photomicrographs of CGRP immunoreactive fibers in the spinal nucleus of trigeminal nerve pars caudalis (Sp5C) ipsilateral (ipsi) and contralateral (contra) of Sham1 and IoN-CCI1 groups. (**B**) OD values of substance P (SP) with representative photomicrographs of SP immunoreactive fibers in the Sp5C ipsilateral (ipsi) and contralateral (contra) of Sham1 and IoN-CCI1 groups. Data is expressed as mean + SEM. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Bonferroni post-hoc test. Scale bar: 100 μm.
