Figure 4
Induction of endothelial cell apoptosis by Aβ peptides.
(A) Bovine capillary endothelial cells (BCEs) were treated with (1 ng/ml) of Aβ (1–40) or Aβ (1–42) for 48 h, followed by double staining with Propidium iodide and TUNEL. Arrows point to apoptotic cells. (B) Quantification of apoptotic index (n = 5 samples/group). (C) Mouse VSMCs were treated with (10 ng/ml) of Aβ (1–40) or Aβ (1–42) for 48 h, followed by double staining with propidium iodide and TUNEL. Arrows point to apoptotic cells. (D) Quantification of apoptotic index (n = 5 samples/group). (E) In vitro Matrigel endothelial cell tube assay in the presence of 1 ng/ml or 5 ng/ml of Aβ (1–40) or Aβ (1–42), or absence of Aβ peptides. (F) Quantification of tube density (n = 13–17 samples/group). (G) Quantification of the apoptotic index of BCE cells pre-exposed to Aβ (1–40)- or Aβ (1–42)-coated plates, followed by VEGF stimulation (n = 5 samples/group). * p < 0.05. *** p < 0.001. (H) Expression of caspase 3 in brain ECs. (I) Quantification of the apoptotic index of mouse brain endothelial cells pre-exposed to Aβ (1–40)- or Aβ (1–42)-coated plates, followed by VEGF stimulation. Bar = 50 μm.
