Figure 2

Hsp90β is involved in the synthesis of NO caused by IL-1β stimulation of chondrocytes. Effect of Hsp90 inhibitors Geldanamycin (GA) (A) and Novobiocin (NB) (B) on the production of nitrites by IL-1β-treated chondrocytes. Data are expressed as mM of nitrites present in the supernatant, and represent the mean (±SE) of three independent experiments in triplicate (*, p < 0.05; **, p < 0.01 and ***, p < 0.005 vs basal). C) Phase contrast microscopy images illustrate how the Hsp90 inhibitor Geldanamicyn (GA) does not affect cellular viability and counteracts the morphological modifications caused by IL-1β in cultured chondrocytes. Scale bars correspond to 100 μm. D) Cell viability of chondrocytes treated with IL-1β and Novobiocin, measured by the MTS assay.