Figure 2

LPS exposure causes an activated/dysfunctional ECs phenotype (II). Fragments of control ECs show a normal endothelial phenotype: Golgi stacks and vesicles as well as two mitochondrial units with well-organized cristae (a), a wide endoplasmic reticulum network is located within the two mitochondrial units. Note also a Weibel-Palade (wp) body in close proximity of the basolateral plasma membrane. Caveolae are open apically or basolaterally, apparently charging or discharging their load, (a1, arrows). In panel b, a fragment of an ECs subjected to 1 μg/ml LPS shows frequently large vacuoles (v1, v2), membranous rings, (arrows) and tubules (t), within cytosol or open to the cell surface (c, d), suggestive of deficient endocytic transport. Bars: 50 nm (a); 100 nm (a1); 70 nm (b); 40 nm (c, d).