Fig. 2

Evaluation of the COPD rat models and validation of the hub genes at the RNA level. A Body weight and lung function of COPD rats and controls. B Representative images of H&E staining of lung tissue in COPD rats (right panel) and controls (left panel). C Representative images of Wright-Giemsa staining of BALF cells in COPD rats (right panel) and controls (left panel). D Morphometric measurements of MLI, MAN, and small airway walls in lung tissue sections with H&E staining. E BALF cell counts. F Validation of hub genes by qRT-PCR in COPD rat models and controls. Scale bar: 50 μm. *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, ***P < 0.001