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Interleukin‐1β regulates proenkephalin gene expression in astrocytes cultured from rat cortex
Author(s) -
Negro Alessandro,
Tavella Adriana,
Facci Laura,
Callegaro Lanfranco,
Skaper Stephen D.
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
glia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.954
H-Index - 164
eISSN - 1098-1136
pISSN - 0894-1491
DOI - 10.1002/glia.440060308
Subject(s) - proenkephalin , biology , endocrinology , medicine , astrocyte , gene expression , beta (programming language) , enkephalin , central nervous system , gene , opioid , receptor , biochemistry , computer science , programming language
Abstract Glial cells execute essential functions in central nervous system (CNS) development and are also believed to play important roles during gliosis in response to trauma or disease. These developmental and pathological states have also been associated with elevated expression of opioid genes. Because levels of the cytokine interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) increase following CNS lesions, we examined the possible influence of IL‐1β on the expression of opioid genes in astrocytes cultured from rat cortex. Proenkephalin mRNA expression was stimulated by IL‐1β in a time‐ and concentration‐dependent manner, being maximal with 5 U/ml IL‐1β at 4h. Although the β‐adrenergic agonist isoproternol was also active, interferon, glutamate, and carbacol were not. Unlike isoproterenol, the actions of IL‐1β were not associated with a cyclic adenosine monophosphate (AMP)‐dependent pathway. Interleukin‐1β also regulated a proenkephalin‐chloramphenicol acetyltransferase fusion gene transiently transfected into astrocytes, with a dose‐response similar to that active in proenkephalin mRNA. These effects of IL‐1β were region‐specific, not being observed with either cerebellar or hippocampal astrocytes; however, isoproterenol was active in the latter cell populations. Proenkephalin mRNA in cortical astrocytes was stimulated following a temperature stress. These results suggest that enhanced proenkephalin gene expression in astrocytes by IL‐1β may be important in neuroimmune interactions and in trauma‐induced CNS injury or stress. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.