Figure 8From: Cyclosporin A differentially inhibits multiple steps in VEGF induced angiogenesis in human microvascular endothelial cells through altered intracellular signalingVEGF enhanced phosphorylation of ERK 1/2 (p44/42 MAPK) and p38 MAPK in HIMEC is diminished by specific inhibitors of ERK 1/2, p38 MAPK and CsA. Activation of ERK 1/2, a member of the MAPK superfamily, in HIMEC by VEGF was assessed using Western blot analysis. Total cell lysates from VEGF stimulated HIMEC with or without inhibitors were subjected to SDS-PAGE and immunoblotted with phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated specific anti-ERK 1/2 antibodies. VEGF enhanced phosphorylation of ERK 1/2 was diminished by CsA and PD098059, as compared with total ERK 1/2. TNF-α/LPS stimulation of HIMEC served as a positive control for ERK 1/2 activation.Back to article page