VCAM-1 mRNA levels in ECs after exposure to different perfusing conditions.

The time course is depicted for VCAM-1 gene expression in HUVECs after exposure to sickle cell perfusion (Sickle), normal RBC perfusion (Normal), sickle cell perfusion with cytokine (Sickle + IL-1β), and normal RBC perfusion with cytokine (Normal + IL-1β). Data are shown as the mean plus or minus SEM, with n = 5-6 (approximately) for 3 and 6 hours, and n = 3-5 for 12 and 24 hours. ^*Indicates significantly different from values in the matched normal RBC perfusion at the same time points (P < .05); ^#indicates significantly different from values in the matched normal RBC perfusion with IL-1β at the same time points (P < .05); and ^§indicates significantly different from values in the matched sickle RBC perfusion without IL-1β at the same time points (P < .05).