Figure 2

TGFβ treatment induces angiotensin II receptor 1 (AGTR1) protein expression in adult lung fibroblasts; the induction is mediated by MKK1/MKK2. Representative Western Blot (top) and average values (± SD) of angiotensin II receptor type 1 protein expression in lung fibroblasts treated with TGFβ (4 ng/ml)with or without 1/2 hour pre-incubation with of one the following signalling inhibitors: U0126, PD98059, SB202190. A 24 hour treatment with TGFβ induced an upregulation of AGTR1 protein (mean: 2.4 fold, **p < 0.001, Student's paired t-test). The induction of AGTR1 by TGFβ was specifically blocked by MKK1/MKK2 inhibitor U1026 (*p < 0.01 compared with TGFβ-induced AGTR1, Student's paired t-test), but not by predominant MKK1 inhibitor PD98059 or p38 inhibitor SB202190). The results are representative of three independent experiments on both control and fibrotic cell lines. As a loading control, Western analysis with an anti-GAPDH antibody was also performed.