FIG. 5.

High-glucose incubation activates extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) in a Ca²⁺-dependent manner. Cell lysate was prepared at indicated times of high-glucose incubation, and the ERK1/2 activation was assessed by immunoblotting. Phospho-ERK1/2-specific antibodies detected the activation of ERK1/2 in SMC (A), Clone 9 (B), and H9c2 cells (C). Immunoblotting with antibodies recognizing total ERK1/2 showed the relatively equal loading. (C) EGTA preincubation abolished the ERK1/2 activation in high-glucose conditions.