Fig. 3.

Mechanical strain inhibited Rac1 activation. Confluent monolayers of AT2 cells on RLF matrix were exposed to mechanical strain for 2 and 12 h. GTP-Rac1 levels in AT2 cells exposed to static conditions, cyclic strain (0–15% CS) (A) and 10–15% CS (PEEP) conditions (B), and constant distention strain (CD) (C) were determined via a pull-down assay; a representative blot is shown at the top of each panel. The bar graphs summarize the data expressed as means ± SE, from 4 independent experiments, the values of which are expressed as the ratio of active GTP-bound Rac1 to total Rac1. #P < 0.05 vs. static controls at 2 and 12 h.