Angiotensin II induces cyclooxygenase 2 expression in rat astrocytes via the angiotensin type 1 receptor
Abstract
We previously showed that Angiotensin (Ang) II stimulated pro-inflammatory and mitogenic actions in astrocytes suggesting that astrocytes are emerging as key players in neuroinflammation. Evidence suggests that neuroinflammation may contribute to central sympathetic overactivity and elevated blood pressure. Further, cyclooxygenase (Cox)-derived prostanoids were implicated in Ang II-dependent hypertension. Cox2 is one of two Cox isoenzymes that is responsible for the formation of prostanoids from arachidonic acid. Constitutively expressed Cox2 has a protective and homeostatic role in the cardiovascular and renal systems. Inducible Cox2 has been associated with pathogenic stimuli resulting in inflammatory conditions and cancers. In this study, we investigated the effect of Ang II on Cox2 protein and mRNA expression in brainstem and cerebellum astrocytes, and determined whether any differences in Cox2 expression exist in spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) astrocytes compared to their normotensive control Wistar rats. We demonstrated that Ang II increased Cox2 protein and mRNA levels relative to untreated controls in a time-dependent manner, in Wistar and SHR brainstem and cerebellum astrocytes. Increases in Cox2 protein expressi...Continue Reading
References
Prolonged cyclooxygenase-2 induction in neurons and glia following traumatic brain injury in the rat
ACE2-Ang-(1-7)-Mas Axis in Brain: A Potential Target for Prevention and Treatment of Ischemic Stroke
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Astrocytes
Astrocytes are glial cells that support the blood-brain barrier, facilitate neurotransmission, provide nutrients to neurons, and help repair damaged nervous tissues. Here is the latest research.