Figure 1

Effect of repeated intranasal LPS challenge and treatment with the selective GSK-3 inhibitor SB216763 on extracellular matrix deposition in the lung. (A) Expression of fibronectin was evaluated in whole lung homogenates 24 hours after the last challenge by immunoblotting using specific antibodies. Equal protein loading was verified by the analysis of GAPDH. Effects of repeated LPS challenge and SB216763 treatment on fibronectin expression were quantified by densitometry, representing mean ± s.e.m. of 9 animals per group. (B) Histological staining of the extracellular matrix protein collagen using Sirius Red. The non-cartilaginous airways were digitally photographed (100-200 × magnification) and analysed by using ImageJ software. Effects of repeated LPS challenge and SB216763 treatment on airway collagen expression were quantified, representing mean ± s.e.m. of 9 animals per group. (C) The mean linear intercept (LMI), a measure for alveolar airspace size, was determined by staining the tissue-sections with haematoxylin and eosin. Data represent means ± s.e.m. of 9 animals per group. **p < 0.01 compared to control group and ^#p < 0.05 compared to LPS treated animals. Scale bar = 200 μm.