Figure 1.

Effect of matrix proteins on rat mesangial cell apoptosis in vitro. Rat mesangial cells were subcultured onto different ECM proteins for 16 hours in full medium then washed 3 times and incubated for 8 hours in RPMI with no additives. Results are expressed as percentage of cells undergoing apoptosis compared to control. A: Collagen IV, mean ± SE, n = 9,*P < 0.05, in this series of experiments, control apoptosis signal = 23.2 ± 3.3%. B: Laminin, mean ± SE, n = 6,*P < 0.05, control apoptosis signal = 22.3 ± 2.5%. C: osteonectin SPARC, mean ± SE, n = 4, control apoptosis signal = 23.8 ± 6.9%. D: Collagen I, mean ± SE, n = 6, control apoptosis signal = 31.6 ± 1.8%. E: Fibronectin, mean ± SE, n = 8, control apoptosis signal = 25.2 ± 2.2%.