Figure 4. Effects of PD98059 and heparinase on SMC marker gene expression under 3-D interstitial flow.

PD98059 and heparinase reverse interstitial flow-induced reductions in SM-MHC, smoothelin, and calponin expression, but further enhance α-SMA and SM22 expression in 3-D. SMCs (A) and MFBs (B) in collagen gels were pretreated with PD98059 (PD) or heparinase III (Hepr) for 3 h, and then exposed to interstitial flow (1 cmH₂O) for 6 h. Gene expression was analyzed by RT-qPCR and normalized to its own Flow without PD or Hepr treated case. All the data are presented as mean ± SEM. * P<0.05 vs corresponding No-Flow control; #P<0.05 vs corresponding Flow case; $ P<0.05 vs corresponding Flow case; n = 4–5.