Figure 5
The expression of VEGFR-2, VEGFR-3 and integrin α9 by LECs. (a) Validation of cDNA microarray analysis with quantitative RT-PCR. Plots of the relative mRNA expression of VEGFR-2, VEGFR-3, and integrin α9 to GAPDH. LAM-LECs (T) (n = 4) and control LECs (n = 4) were examined. (b) Plots of the expression of VEGFR-2, VEGFR-3, and integrin α9 analysed as the MFI measured by FACS. The relative MFI of each sample to isotype control is expressed on the vertical axis. LAM-LECs (T) (n = 4) and control LECs (n = 4) were examined. (c) Images of immunohistochemistry of lung tissues showing expression of VEGFR-3 and integrin α9 (Fast red was used as a chromogen, scale bar = 200 µm). In normal lung tissue, lymphatic vessels (*) surrounded by a single-layer of LECs are seen in the visceral pleura. In LAM-lungs, proliferation of spindle-shaped LAM cells and irregularly dilated lymphatic vessels (Ly) lined by a monolayer of LECs are indicated. Note that LECs were immunopositive for VEGFR-3 and integrin α9 antibodies in both normal and LAM-lungs. Statistical significance was assessed using the Student’s t-test. *p < 0.05 and n.s. = not significant.
