CK inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation in cultured renal TECs under MICP. To validate the effect of CK on NLRP3 inflammasome activation in renal TECs, an MICP system that mimics stimulation by a constant, high pressure within the renal pelvis as a result of obstruction of the ureter in UUO mice was employed. Renal TECs (murine renal tubular epithelial cell line M-1) were incubated for 30 min with or without CK, and were cultured in an MICP system at 60 mmHg for 24 h and/or with or without 5 mM ATP (30 min). (A) NF-κB p65 activity by an ELISA-based transcription factor activity assay. Real-time PCR of mRNA levels of (B) NLRP3, (C) caspase-1 and (D) IL-1β. Western blot analysis for (E) pro-IL-1β and NLRP3. (F) Caspase-1 activity determined by an enzyme activity assay. Western blot analysis for (G) caspase-1 and IL-1β. The measurement of IL-1β and caspase-1 released into the culture medium was performed on extracted supernatants. The data represent three separate experiments. ***P < 0.005.