Figure 7. PPARα−/− mice show altered SMC phenotype and arterial contraction in response to Ang II.
(A) The cross sections of thoracic aorta from PPAR−/− and WT mice were subjected to immunohistochemical staining with anti-SMα-actin and anti-h-caldesmon antibodies. The results shown are representative of the mice from three separate sets of experiments. The sections were counterstained with hematoxylin. (B) Blood pressure was measured in PPAR−/− and WT mice by the carotid arterial catheterization. (C) Contractions of mesenteric arteriolar rings from PPAR−/− and WT mice in response to Ang II were measured. Contractions are expressed as percent of KCl (100 mmol/L)-induced contraction (control). *, P < 0.05 vs. control mice.