Figure 4.

Distribution and phosporylation patterns of Rho-kinase target proteins in the carotid lesions of apolipoprotein E knockout mice 14 days after ligation. Ezrin-radixin-moesin (ERM) immunostaining is ubiquitous (A). Phospho-ERM (pERM) detected in endothelial cells and macrophages but not in smooth muscle cells (SMCs) (B). Myosin light chain (MLC) and phospho-MLC (pMLC) immunostaining (C and D, respectively) are associated predominantly with SMCs. Mac-2 (E) and alpha (α)-actin immunostaining (F) illustrate the location of macrophages and SMCs, respectively. Original magnifications ×20