Figure 2. Microgravity does not influence activation of p38 MAP Kinase following LPS stimulation.

The figure shows phospho-p38 MAP kinase analysis of 100 ng/ml LPS stimulated monocytes in the presence (1 g) or relative absence of gravity (0 g). Fixed monocytes were stained fluorescently (green) and the nuclei were visualized by DAPI (blue) (Figure 2A). Staining was measured at different exposure times (Figure 2B) and mean fluorescence was finally determined at 2000 ms (Figure 2D). Although differences between the conditions are apparent, the absence of gravity does not affect activation of p38 MAP kinase. The nuclear localization of p38 MAPK is also not different from the control condition (Figure 2C). The graphs are based on 36 determinations.