Inhibition of Murine Pulmonary Microvascular Endothelial Cell Apoptosis Promotes Recovery of Barrier Function under Septic Conditions

Figure 3

Cytomix induces mouse PMVEC apoptosis. (a) Cytomix stimulation for 24h leads to an increased number of cells stained positive for active caspases (fluorescent inhibitor of caspases [FLICA]; upper row; red) and fragmented DNA (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling [TUNEL]; lower row; green). Nuclei were stained with Hoechst 33342. Quantification revealed significant increases in FLICA+ (b), TUNEL+ (c), and Annexin V+/propidium iodide- (PI-) cells (d) by 8h (FLICA and Annexin V) and 16h (TUNEL) after cytomix. All 3 markers indicated persistent increases in septic PMVEC apoptosis at 24h. compared with PBS (two-way ANOVA). = 5-6.

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