Morphology of PDLCs after DAPI staining.

<p>The morphological changes of PDLCs treated with rhS100A8, rhS100A9, rhS100A8/A9, or heat-inactivated rhS100A8, rhS100A9, or rhS100A8/A9 were evaluated by fluorescence microscopy after DAPI staining. Viable cells displayed a normal-sized nucleus and blue fluorescence, whereas apoptotic cells exhibited condensed chromatin and fragmented nuclei. Treatment with rhS100A8/A9 increased the percentage of apoptotic cells significantly compared with the control (24.5%±5.1% <i>vs</i>. 6.7%±3.1%, <i>p</i><0.05) and heat-inactivated rhS100A8/A9 (24.5%±5.1% <i>vs</i>. 5.273%±1.14%, <i>p</i><0.05). Fewer apoptotic cells were observed in rhS100A8-treated cultures whereas more apoptotic cells were present in rhS100A9-treated cells. * <i>p</i><0.05 <i>vs</i>. the control or heat-inactivated groups.