Angiotensin-(1-7) prevents radiation-induced inflammation in rat primary astrocytes through regulation of MAP kinase signaling.

ABSTRACT: About 500,000 new cancer patients will develop brain metastases in 2013. The primary treatment modality for these patients is partial or whole brain irradiation which leads to a progressive, irreversible cognitive impairment. Although the exact mechanisms behind this radiation-induced brain injury are unknown, neuroinflammation in glial populations is hypothesized to play a role. Blockers of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) prevent radiation-induced cognitive impairment and modulate radiation-induced neuroinflammation. Recent studies suggest that RAS blockers may reduce inflammation by increasing endogenous concentrations of the anti-inflammatory heptapeptide angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)]. Ang-(1-7) binds to the AT(1-7) receptor and inhibits MAP kinase activity to prevent inflammation. T

SUBMITTER: Moore ED 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3879043 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature