Fig. 3From: Complement component C3a plays a critical role in endothelial activation and leukocyte recruitment into the brainEffect of C3 deficiency on the expression of endothelial adhesion molecules and the BBB permeability changes in the brain. WT C57BL/6J mice and C3−/− mice received i.c.v. injections of LPS; 4 h later, mRNA expression in brain tissue was quantified using real-time PCR. a C3 deficiency resulted in the downregulation of brain P-selectin, E-selectin, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 mRNA expression (n ≥ 8). b VCAM-1 and E-selectin protein levels were measured through Western blotting analysis; the ratio of VCAM-1 and E-selectin to β-actin was determined through densitometry (n = 5). c To assess BBB permeability, mouse brain homogenates were examined for albumin infiltration using Western blotting analysis (n = 6). Albumin levels in the brain proteins were measured at 4, 12, and 24 h after LPS i.c.v. The results are shown as the means ± SEM; *P < 0.05Back to article page