Fig 2. Characterization of the endo-αENaC ^KO mouse model.

(A) Relative mRNA expression of the three ENaC subunits in the aorta of control mice (white bars) and endo-αENaC ^KO mice (black bars). Expression of the α subunit is decreased, but not those of the β and γ subunits. (B) Surface αENaC protein expression in aortic rings. (C) Aortic cortical stiffness of endothelial cells was determined by atomic force microscope (AFM). Values are mean ± SEM (n = 7–9 for each group). *P<0.05, ***P<0.001.