Norepinephrine Induces Lung Microvascular Endothelial Cell Death by NADPH Oxidase-Dependent Activation of Caspase-3

Figure 6

Norepinephrine activates caspase-3 via ROS production and α₁-adrenoceptor-mediated pathways. To assess the role of reactive oxygen species and α₁-adrenoceptors in norepinephrine- (NE-) induced caspase-3 activation, RLMEC were treated with apocynin (Apo), phentolamine (Phen), PEG-SOD, or PEG-CAT for 30 minutes before stimulation with NE (5 ng/mL) for 24 h. NE induces caspase-3 translocation to the nucleus, an effect inhibited by (a) Apo and Phen and (b) PEG-SOD. PEG-CAT did not inhibit caspase-3 activation by NE. /group.

(a)

(b)