Fig. 6.

Effect of K⁺-free medium on intracellular Na⁺ content and on COX-2 expression, VASP phosphorylation, and myofibroblast differentiation. HLFs were treated with a control medium ([K⁺]_o = 5 mM), K⁺-free medium, or with 100 nM ouabain in a control medium for 48 h, with or without 1 ng/ml TGF-β for 48 h as indicated. A: intracellular Na⁺ concentration was measured as described in experimental procedures. B: cell extracts were analyzed by Western blotting with desired antibodies as indicated.