3.5.2 Intra-signalling pathway of Nox2 activation by LPS
To investigate upstream pathways implicated in Nox2 activation we analysed the role of AKT, which is implicated in p47phox activation and ultimately Nox2 up-regulation.21 Betamethasone and methylprednisolone-treated cells stimulated with LPS showed a significant decrease of AKT phosphorylation compared to LPS-treated cells alone (Figures 6, A and B). This effect was dose-dependent with a significance reached at concentrations of 300 and 600 ng/ml compared to 150 ng/ml (Figure 6, A and B). Similarly, betamethasone and methylprednisolone-treated cells stimulated with LPS reduced p47phox phosphorylation compared to LPS-treated cells alone, an effect reached with 300 and 600 ng/ml of betamethasone and methylprednisolone (Figures 6, C and D).