Figure 2
From: Mitochondrial uncouplers inhibit hepatic stellate cell activation
FCCP and Valinomycin inhibit the expression of HSC pro-fibrogenic genes. (A) Bright field images of mHSCs treated with FCCP (5 μM) or Valinomycin (5 μM) every two days for a period of seven days. qHSCs and aHSCs indicate quiescent and activated HSCs respectively. Dashed lines indicate the blow-up of area in inserts. (B) Expression of pro-fibrogenic genes during HSC activation in vitro and effect of uncoupler treatment, left and right graphics respectively. Mouse HSCs were treated for seven days with FCCP (5 μM) or Valinomycin (5 μM) and after this period mRNA levels of the indicated genes were analyzed by RT-qPCR. (C) α-SMA protein expression in cells treated with chemical uncouplers. Isolated mouse HSCs were cultivated on cover slips for 7 days and then fixed with 4% formaldehyde and stained with α-SMA antibodies. * indicates P < 0.05 compared to control groups. Data are expressed as means of 3 independent experiments ± SEM.