Fig. 5

RBP-Jκ is not required to maintain VSMC phenotype in mature arteries. A and B WT and VSMC^{RBP−Jκ KO} mice were treated with tamoxifen (i.p., 40 mg/kg. b.w.) for 5 days. The expression of RBP-Jκ and α-SMA were determined in the aorta of WT (A) and VSMC^{RBP−Jκ KO} mice (B). The arrows point to the nuclear of the media VSMCs. C The expressions of RBP-Jκ and α-SMA were also determined in common carotid artery of VSMC^{RBP−Jκ KO} mice. The arrows point to the nuclear of the media VSMCs. Notably, the expressions of RBP-Jκ in endothelial cells and adventitial cells were not affected. D The number of RBP-Jκ in α-SMA⁺ cells was counted in the arteries from WT and VSMC^{RBP−Jκ KO} mice. E and F Representative Western blotting and densitometry analysis of the expression of VSMC marker (α-SMA) from aorta isolated from WT and VSMC^{RBP−Jκ KO} mice. (n = 5; *p < 0.05; Mann–Whitney test was used for statistical analysis; white scale bars = 50 µm)