Increased intimal SMC and collagen content with HSP27 over-expression.

<p>(<b>A</b>) SMC (anti-α-SMA red immunolabeling reaction product) localized mainly in sub-endothelial layers along the luminal surface of aortic sinus cross-sections. (<b>B</b>) Quantification of SMC content in aortic sinus cross-sections. (<b>C</b>) Intimal collagen content demonstrated by polarized microscopy. Bright yellow or orange birefrigence of collagen, due to co-aligned molecules of Type I collagen. (<b>D</b>) Quantification of intimal collagen content. (<b>E</b>) Correlation between collagen and SMC content in lesions. Scale bar in (<b>A</b>) and (<b>C</b>) = 20 µm and 200 µm (insert photo), L = Lumen, I = Intima, dotted lines delineates the media.