Expression of a mitogen-inducible cyclooxygenase in brain neurons: Regulation by synaptic activity and glucocorticoids

摘要: Prostaglandins play important and diverse roles in the CNS. The first step prostaglandin synthesis involves enzymatic oxidation of arachidonic acid, which is catalyzed by H(PGH) synthase, also referred to as cyclooxygenase. We have cloned an inducible form this enzyme from rat brain that nearly identical a murine, mitogen-inducible cyclooxygenase identified fibroblasts. Our studies indicate gene, here termed COX-2, expressed throughout forebrain discrete populations neurons enriched cortex hippocampus. Neuronal expression rapidly transiently induced seizures or NMDA-dependent synaptic activity. No detected glia vascular endothelial cells. Basal COX-2 appears be regulated natural activity developing adult brain. Both basal are inhibited glucocorticoids, consistent with regulation peripheral tissues. may regulating signaling marked inducibility stimuli suggests role activity-dependent plasticity.