Figure 6

Over-expression of endothelial ZO-1 attenuates PM-induced EC barrier disruption in vitro and pulmonary inflammation in vivo . (A) Human lung microvascular EC were grown to 60% confluence and treated with ZO-1 expression plasmid with X-fect reagent for 48 hr, and over-expression of ZO-1 protein was confirmed by Western blot. (B) The ECs were then challenged with PM (100 μg/ml), and changes in TER after 6 hr were measured with ECIS. *p < 0.05 compared to PM-challenged group. AJ mice were treated with ZO-1 expression plasmid with an ACE antibody-conjugated liposome delivery system (5 mg/kg) for 3 days, then challenged with PM (10 mg/kg). After 24 hr of PM exposure, (C) lung ZO-1 levels were analyzed with Western blot. Shown is one of the three repeated blots. BAL was collected and (D) protein content, (E) total white blood cell, and (F) IL-6 levels were measured. N = 4. *p < 0.05 compared to PM-challenged group. **p < 0.05 compared to control.