Fig. 1.

Role of TLR2 in AngII-induced AAA formation in ApoE−/− mice. a AngII increased the mRNA level of TLR2 in aneurismal lesions determined by qPCR (**p < 0.01, n = 4/group). b Representative aortas. c–e Solid arrows indicate abdominal and thoracic aortic aneurysms. Deficiency of TLR2 significantly increased the incidence (c) and severity (d, e) of AAA formation in ApoE−/− mice (*p < 0.05 vs. ApoE−/−TLR2+/+, n = 54, 52). Classification of aneurysms as described by Daugherty. The maximal aortic diameter was also significantly increased by TLR2 deficiency (*p < 0.05, n = 54, 52).