Figure 3
From: Role of Abl in airway hyperresponsiveness and airway remodeling
Abl is required for airway smooth muscle contraction. (A) Tracheal rings of Ablsm−/− mice and Abl-lox (control) mice were treated with difference concentration of acetylcholine (ACh). Dose–response of these rings was then evaluated. Contractile force is normalized to maximal force of tracheal rings from Abl-lox mice. Values are mean ± SE (n = 9–10). * Significantly lower active force in Ablsm−/− mice than in Abl-lox at corresponding doses (P < 0.01). (B) Tracheal rings of Abl-lox mice were pretreated with or without the Abl inhibitors imatinib or GNF-5 (10 μM, 10 min). ACh dose–response of tissues was then determined. Pretreatment with imatinib or GNF-5 attenuated ACh-induced contraction in vitro (n = 15–18, * P < 0.01). (C) Tracheal rings of Abl-lox mice were precontracted with 100 μM ACh. Different concentrations of imatinib or GNF-5 were then imposed to assess the relaxation response. Treatment with the pharmacological inhibitors induced relaxation of tracheal segments precontracted by ACh (n = 17–19).