The expression of cyclooxyenase 2 (Cox-2) in rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) induced by aldosterone (Aldo). (A) Upper panel, the concentration-dependent increase in Cox-2 expression induced by Aldo for 4 h. Lower panel, the time-related increase in Cox-2 expression induced by Aldo (0.1 μmol/L) for the indicated times. (B) The effects of different inhibitors on Cox-2 expression induced by Aldo. The cells were pretreated with SB203580 (SB, 20 μmol/L), PD98059 (PD, 50 μmol/L), and spironolactone (Spir, 50 μmol/L) for 1 h, then stimulated by Aldo (0.1 μmol/L) for 4 h. The cell lysates were analysed by Western blotting with specific antibodies. Mean±SD. n=3. bP<0.05 vs control. eP<0.05 vs Aldo.