Figure 5.
Sequential stimulation of HMSMC with PGF2α and IL-1β amplifies upregulation of COX-2 mRNA and protein expression. HMSMC were either (1) prestimulated for 24 h with IL-1β, washed, and subsequently stimulated with PGF2α for 6 h, or (2) prestimulated for 24 h with PGF2α, washed, and stimulated with IL-1β. (A) COX2 mRNA; (B) COX-2 protein expression quantified using densitometry (representative blots included). Data are presented as relative change (x-fold) from 6 h vehicle control values (first lane), mean ± SEM. N = 5–7 patients. Repeated measures one-way ANOVA statistical testing was performed on log10-transformed data followed by Tukey post hoc analysis. Groups with statistically significant post hoc differences are represented with different letter designations, P < 0.05.