Inhibition of TGF-β decreases endothelial barrier function in vitro.

<p>(A) SEM analysis demonstrated a characteristic endothelial cobblestone morphology in EC monocultures. Co-culture enhanced the association between adjacent cells, which was reversed with addition of SB-431542. Scale bars = 100 µm (left panel); 10 µm (right panel). Cell size was calculated by tracing individual ECs using ImageJ. Morphology of 10T1/2 cells from cocultures with ECs was not visibly altered when compared to 10T1/2 monoculture or with the addition of SB431542. (B) Analysis of EC size in monoculture or coculture with 10T1/2 cells (+/−SB431542). Coculture did not significantly alter average cell size, however, EC size were more uniform when compared to EC mono-cultures. Addition of SB431542 led to larger and more heterogenous cell size.