FIGURE 13.

Analysis of TRAP/HTV-induced lung injury in ANP knock-out mice. ANP knock-out mice (Nppa^−/−) or matched controls were exposed to TRAP6 and HTV (30 ml/kg) for 4 h. Protein concentration (A), total cell count (B), and neutrophil content (C) were measured in BAL fluid. D, TRAP/HTV-induced vascular leak was assessed visually and further quantified by spectrometric determination of Evans blue-labeled albumin extravasation into the lung tissue. E, TRAP/HTV-induced neutrophilic infiltration was evaluated by histological analysis of lung sections from wild type and Nppa^−/− mice. F, PAK1 and MLC phosphorylation and the amount of acetylated tubulin in lung samples from TRAP/HTV exposed wild type and Nppa^−/− mice were analyzed by Western blot with phosphospecific antibodies. Bar graphs depict the quantitative analysis of Western blot densitometry data. *, p < 0.05 versus wild type. G, MLC phosphorylation in Nppa^−/− mice exposed to TRAP/HTV with or without ANP treatment. Equal protein loading was confirmed by probing of membranes with total β-tubulin antibodies. *, p < 0.05 versus TRAP/HTV. Error bars, S.D.