Signaling via the prostaglandin E₂ receptor EP4 exerts neuronal and vascular protection in a mouse model of cerebral ischemia.

ABSTRACT: Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States. Fewer than 5% of patients benefit from the only intervention approved to treat stroke. Thus, there is an enormous need to identify new therapeutic targets. The role of inducible cyclooxygenase (COX-2) activity in stroke and other neurologic diseases is complex, as both activation and sustained inhibition can engender cerebral injury. Whether COX-2 induces cerebroprotective or injurious effects is probably dependent on which downstream prostaglandin receptors are activated. Here, we investigated the function of the PGE2 receptor EP4 in a mouse model of cerebral ischemia. Systemic administration of a selective EP4 agonist after ischemia reduced infarct volume and ameliorated long-term behavioral deficits. Expression of EP4 was

SUBMITTER: Liang X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3204834 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature