Figure 1.
Loss of PPARγ function exacerbates PH and RVH in endothelial-targeted SSePPARγKOchimeric mice. PPARγ levels are decreased, whereas ET-1 and VCAM1 levels are increased in SSePPARγKO mouse lungs. The chimeric SSePPARγKO mice were generated by transplanting SCD bone marrow from Townes mice using previously published methods50-53 into ePPARγKO mice as reported.42,54 ePPARγKO mice were irradiated and transplanted with SS bone marrow. Six weeks after bone marrow transplant, following engraftment, the animals were studied. (A) RVSP was recorded in anesthetized mice with a pressure transducer. Each bar represents the mean RVSP in mm Hg ± SEM; n = 5 to 7. (B) The ratio of the weight of the RV to the LV + septum [RV: (LV + S)] is presented as an index of RVH; n = 5 to 7. (C-E) Whole lung homogenates were collected from littermate control (AALitCon and SSLitCon) and chimeric (AAePPARγKO and SSePPARγKO) mice. Real-time qPCR was performed on lung tissue. Lung PPARγ (C), ET-1 (D), or VCAM (E) levels are expressed relative to 9S normalized to CON values. Each bar represents the mean ± SEM. *P < .05 vs AALitCon; +P < .05 vs SSLitCon, n = 3 to 7.