| Literature DB >> 9168991 |
S A Loddick1, M L Wong, P B Bongiorno, P W Gold, J Licinio, N J Rothwell.
Abstract
Interleukin-1 (IL-1) has been implicated in chronic and acute cerebral neuropathologies. IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), a naturally occurring protein that binds to IL-1 receptors without inducing signal transduction, blocks several actions of IL-1. IL-1ra acts at the local level and it also circulates in the bloodstream. We now report evidence for a biological function of IL-1ra in the brain as an endogenous neuroprotective molecule. Cerebral expression of IL-1ra mRNA is induced rapidly by focal cerebral ischemia in rats, and inhibition of the action of IL-1ra, by passive immuno-neutralization, markedly enhances ischemic damage. To our knowledge this is the first report of an action of endogenous IL-1ra in the brain. Control of IL-1ra expression or action may therefore provide a useful therapeutic strategy to limit acute neurodegeneration.Entities:
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Year: 1997 PMID： 9168991 DOI： 10.1006/bbrc.1997.6436
Source DB: PubMed Journal: Biochem Biophys Res Commun ISSN： 0006-291X Impact factor: 3.575