Figure 6

AQP4 mRNA and protein expression in the astrocytes in vitro. (a) AQP4 mRNA increased in IL-1β-treated astrocytes, when compared with the corresponding controls and AQP4 mRNA significantly decreased in the IL-1β + 3% NaCl-treated astrocytes. However, AQP4 mRNA significantly increased in the IL-1β + calphostinC + 3% NaCl-treated astrocytes, compared with IL-1β + 3% NaCl-treated astrocytes. β-actin was also included in the PCR reaction as a reference. (b) The mean fluorescence intensity of AQP4 increased in IL-1β-treated astrocytes, compared with corresponding controls and the mean fluorescence intensity of AQP4 significantly decreased in the IL-1β + 3% NaCl-treated astrocytes. However, the mean fluorescence intensity of AQP4 significantly increased in the IL-1β + calphostin C + 3% NaCl-treated astrocytes, when compared with IL-1β + 3% NaCl-treated astrocytes. (two stars) P < 0.01 versus control. (two triangles) P < 0.01 versus IL-1β. (two circles) P < 0.01 versus IL-1β + HS. (two diamonds) P < 0.01 versus IL-1β + calphostin C. AQP4, aquaporin 4; HS, hypertonic saline; IL-1β, interleukin-1beta; PCR, polymerase chain reaction.