Differential regulation of astrocyte prostaglandin response by kinins: possible role for mitogen activated protein kinases.

Abstract The role of kinins, well known as peripheral inflammatory mediators, in the modulation of brain inflammation is not completely understood. The present data show that bradykinin, a B 2 receptor agonist, enhanced both basal and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA and protein levels and prostaglandin E 2 synthesis in primary rat astrocytes. By contrast, Lys-des-Arg 9 -bradykinin, which is a bradykinin breakdown product and a selective kinin B 1 receptor agonist, attenuated both basal and LPS-induced astrocyte cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA levels and prostaglandin E 2 production. Pre-treating the cells with p42/p44 MAPK but not with JNK or p38 inhibitors completely abrogated PGE 2 synthesis in cells stimulated with LPS in the presence of bradykinin or bradykinin B 1 receptor agonist. Bradykinin, but not the bradykinin B 1 receptor agonist, augmented p42/p44 MAPK phosphorylation. The phosphorylation of JNK and p38 was not altered upon exposure to Bradykinin or the bradykinin B 1 receptor agonist. These results suggest that the dual delayed effect of kinins on PGE 2 synthesis may be due to differential regulation of COX-2 and signaling molecules such as p42/p44 MAPKs. Thus, kinins may exert opposing actions on brain inflammation and neurodegenerative diseases.