Figure 6

ILK and p38 MAPK regulate PDGF-induced actin cytoskeleton polymerization in vascular SMCs. A) Mouse SMCs were treated with either vehicle (DMSO) or with 10 μM of p38 MAPK specific inhibitor SB202190 for 1 hour prior to PDGF treatment. Following treatment, cells were washed and fixed and then stained for actin filaments. Inhibition of p38 MAPK markedly blocks PDGF-induced actin polymerization and reorganization (original magnification ×400). B) Mouse aortic SMCs were transfected with 20 nM of specific ILK siRNA and then treated with 25 ng/ml of PDGF-BB for 20 minutes. Cells were then fixed and stained for actin filaments. Inhibition of ILK expression in SMCs significantly reduced PDGF-induced actin polymerization and reorganization in mouse aortic SMCs. Images are representative image of three independent experiments (original magnification ×400).