Fig. 8: Inhibiting ASK1 activation contributed to the alleviation of ER stress and MV-induced pulmonary fibrosis.

a Representative TEM images of ER in alveolar epithelial cells of lung tissues (n = 6). b Lung tissues were stained with fluorophore-labeled antibodies against p-ASK1 and BIP (Alexa Fluor 594, red) and the epithelial cell marker E-cadherin (E-CAD) (Alexa Fluor 488, green). 4’,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) stain was used to detect nuclei (blue). Original magnification ×200. Scale bars correspond to 100 μm (n = 6). c Protein expression of p-ASK1 in lung homogenates was determined by WB. Bar graphs display the relative intensity of the protein bands of p-ASK1 compared to that of Tubulin as determined by densitometry (n = 6). d Protein expression of BIP and PDI in lung homogenates was determined by WB. Bar graphs display the relative intensity of the protein bands of BIP and PDI compared to that of Actin as determined by densitometry (n = 6). e Protein expression of COL1A1 and α-SMA in lung homogenates was determined by WB. Bar graphs display the relative intensity of the protein bands of COL1A1 and α-SMA compared to that of Tubulin as determined by densitometry (n = 6). f Lung injury was assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Collagen deposition was assessed with Masson’s trichrome staining (n = 6). g Lung tissues were stained with fluorophore-labeled antibodies against COL1A1 and α-SMA (Alexa Fluor 594, red). 4’,6-Diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) stain was used to detect nuclei (blue). Original magnification ×200. Scale bars correspond to 100 μm (n = 6). The data are expressed as the means ± SEMs. *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001, ****p < 0.001.