(A) Protein expression level of VEGF-R3, prox-1, VEGF-D and VEGF-C was verified by Western blot. Blots were stripped and probed for GAPDH. (B) Expression of the indicated proteins in the kidneys was analyzed by densitometry, normalized to GAPDH, and expressed as mean ± SEM. *P < 0.05 vs baseline. (C, E) Serum was collected at indicated time points and levels of VEGF-C (panel C) and VEGF-D (panel E) were measured by ELISA and data expressed as nanogram per milliliter or picogram per milliliter, respectively. (D, F) Urine was collected at the time of sacrifice via bladder puncture and evaluated for levels of VEGF-C (panel D) and VEGF-E (panel F). Results were then normalized to urine creatinine levels and expressed as nanogram per milligram and picogram per milligram creatinine for VEGF-C and VEGF-D, respectively. Results expressed as mean ± SEM. *P < 0.05 vs baseline.