Figure 5. G_M2 and G_M1 gangliosides induce mesangial cell hypertrophy.

RMC were cultured in the presence of G_M2 or G_M1 (60 μM) for 48 h. Control conditions were complete medium with a mixture of BSA and 10 mM Hepes (pH 7.4). Cells were then harvested and counted using a haemocytometer and total protein content was measured. Cell number (expressed for 10⁵ cells) (A) and total protein content (expressed in μg) (B) are presented. The total protein/cell number ratio used to assess hypertrophy is expressed in μg of protein/10⁵ cells (C). Results are the means±S.E.M. for 4–6 independent experiments. *P<0.05 versus control.