2-Methoxycinnamaldehyde Reduces IL-1beta-Induced Prostaglandin Production in Rat Cerebral Endothelial Cells

摘要

Prostaglandin E_2 (PGE_2) works as a common final mediator of the febrile.Guizhi-Tang,one of the most famous traditional Chinese medical formula used to treat influenza,common cold and other pyretic conditions,was previously reported to reduce the production of PGE_2 in rats.2-Methoxycinnamaldehyde is a principle compound isolated from Guizhi-Tang.The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of 2-methoxycin-namaldehyde on PGE_2 production of rat cerebral endothelial cells (CECs).2-Methoxycinnamaldehyde dose-de-pendently inhibited interleukin (IL)-1beta-induced PGE_2 production in CECs with IC_(50) values of 174 muM.IL-1beta stimulation increased the protein,activity and mRNA expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 but not COX-1.2-Methoxycinnamaldehyde reduced IL-1beta-induced protein and activity of COX-2,but did not influence the COX-2 mRNA expression.Our results show that prostaglandin production in CECs during stimulated conditions is sensitive to inhibition by 2-methoxycinnamaldehyde and suggest that 2-methoxycinnamaldehyde may reduce COX-2 protein level and activity but not COX-2 mRNA.