Figure 4.

HIV-1 Tat-induced alterations of cav-1 expression are modulated by MMP-9 deficiency and PPAR stimulation. MMP-9-deficient mice (males, 4-mo-old) and matched FVB/NJ control mice were treated 1×d for 7 d with PPARα agonist fenofibrate (Feno; 100 mg/kg), PPARγ agonist rosiglitazone (Rosi; 10 mg/kg), or vehicle (Veh), administered i.p. Then, mice were exposed for 24 h to HIV-1-specific Tat protein (20 μg/mouse) or vehicle (saline) administered via the internal carotid artery. Cav-1 expression was evaluated by immunofluorescent staining (A) and Western blotting (B) in isolated brain microvessels. Images and blots are representative data from 3 independent experiments; quantified results from Western blots are depicted as bar graphs. Results are means ± se. *P < 0.05 vs. vehicle-treated control; ^†P < 0.05 vs. corresponding wild-type group; ^#P < 0.05 vs. Tat group.