β2-Adrenoceptors on the glial cells mediate the induction of interleukin-1β mRNA in the rat brain

Abstract Interleukin-1 β mRNA was induced by i.c.v. injection of the β -adrenoceptor agonist isoproterenol. Lower doses of procaterol, a β 2 -adrenoceptor agonist showed stronger induction of the mRNA than isoproterenol. These inductions were primarily observed in the glial cells. On the other hand, the β 1 -adrenoceptor agonist dobutamine induced expression of this mRNA only in the meninges. These results suggest the existence of a system for regulation of interleukin-1 β gene expression via β 2 -adrenoceptors in the brain parenchyma.