C-Fos was significantly upregulated in insular cortex, AuV, TeA, and Ect brain areas in chronic corneal pain mice
To further confirm involved higher activated brain areas, c-Fos staining was performed. Quantitative analysis of c-Fos expression was found much stronger in some increased ALFF brain areas. The number of c-Fos positive cells was significantly increased in the DE group in the insular cortex (Fig. 3i, P = 0.0097) and AuV, TeA, Ect (Fig. 3l, P=0.0008). The c-Fos upregulated brain areas were consistent with ALFF higher changes areas, indicating brain areas involved in central sensitization of chronic corneal pain.