Fig. 2.

Effects of chronic CS on EC inflammatory activation. HPAECs were subjected to 18% CS for 6, 24, or 48 h, exposed to 5% CS for 24 h, or left under static conditions. In addition, human lung microvascular ECs (HLMVECs) were exposed to 18% CS for 6 or 24 h. A: time-dependent expression of ICAM1 and VCAM1 was monitored by immunoblotting with corresponding antibodies. Equal protein loading was confirmed by determination of β-actin content in total cell lysates. Results are representative of 3 independent experiments. B and C: production of soluble ICAM1 (B) or IL-8 (C) was evaluated by ELISA assay. Data are expressed as means ± SD; n = 3, *P < 0.05 vs. static.