Fig. 1

Fibroblast-specific connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) knockout inhibits angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced skin fibrosis. a Mice skin fibroblasts from CTGF knockout (CTGF KO) and control mice were treated for 24 h with transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) (2.5 ng/ml). Cell lysates were subjected to immunoblotting. b Skin fibrosis in mice was induced by Ang II administered via subcutaneously installed osmotic pumps. After 2 weeks, the skin surrounding the pump outlet was collected. c Mice skin sections were stained with HE and trichrome. Scale bar 200 μm. d Dermal thickness is summarized. e Collagen contents were measured by hydroxyproline assay. Values are normalized relative to the PBS control group. Each graph represents mean ± SD; n = 3 per group; *P < 0.05