p38 MAPK inhibition compromises TJ integrity.

<p>To test TJ integrity, embryos were treated in KSOMaa, SB 202474, or SB 220025 then exposed to 40 kDa FITC-dextran. After 12 h of treatment (A), a significant difference was observed in the number of embryos displaying 40 kDa FITC-dextran fluorescence within the blastocyst cavity between SB 220025 and control groups (p≤0.05) n = 3. After 24 h of treatment (B), a significant difference was observed in the number of embryos displaying 40 kDa FITC-dextran fluorescence within the blastocyst cavity between SB 220025 and control groups (p≤0.05) n = 3. Representative images of embryos following 12 h or 24 h treatment with (C) 2 mM EGTA (positive control), (D) KSOMaa, (E) SB 202474 or (F) SB 220025 using 40 kDa FITC-dextran. <i>n</i> = 3; ± SEM; scale bars = 10 microns.