Neuroprotection Mediated by Upregulation of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase in Rho-Associated, Coiled-Coil-Containing Kinase 2 Deficient Mice.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Rho-associated kinases (ROCK1 and ROCK2) are important regulators of the actin cytoskeleton and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). Because the phosphorylation of eukaryotic elongation factor-1A1 (eEF1A1) by ROCK2 is critical for eNOS expression, we hypothesized that this molecular pathway may play a critical role in neuroprotection following focal cerebral ischemia.

Methods and results

Adult male wild-type (WT) and mutant ROCK2 and eNOS^-/-mice were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), and cerebral infarct size, neurological deficit and absolute cerebral blood flow were measured. In addition, aortic endothelium-dependent response to acetylcholine, N^G-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and sodium nitroprusside were a

SUBMITTER: Hiroi Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6235674 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature