Fig. 8.
Endothelial HB-EGF deletion lessened Ang II-induced inflammation cytokine production. A and B: increased proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) were detected by ELISA in serum of Ang II-infused HBlox/lox control mice, and their levels were significantly reduced in Ang II-infused HBendo−/− mice. *P < 0.05 compared with all other groups. Values represent the mean SE of 6–7 mice in each group. C: both IL-6 and MCP-1 immunoreactivity were strongly detected in smooth muscle cells and perivascular infiltrating cells, with IL-6 also expressed in tubular epithelial cells, after Ang II infusion in the HBlox/lox mice, which was markedly reduced in HBendo−/− mice. D: strongtransforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) immunostaining was seen in the glomeruli, interstitium, and perivascular infiltrating cells after Ang II infusion in HBlox/lox kidneys but was markedly reduced in HBendo−/− kidneys.