Figure 7.

Integrin α1 deletion in Alport mice results in markedly reduced mesangial process invasion of the glomerular capillary tufts. Glomeruli from 7-week-old integrin α1–null mice (A–C), Alport mice (D–F), and integrin α1–null Alport mice (DKO) on 129/Sv background mice (G–I) were analyzed by dual immunofluorescence immunostaining using antibodies against laminin α2 (Lam α2) and integrin α8 (Int α8). The degree of mesangial process invasion of the glomerular capillary tufts is greatly reduced in the integrin α1–null Alport mice relative to age/strain-matched Alport mice. Scale bars: 10 μm (A–I); 5 μm (insets, D–F).