biostudies-literatureLiang XNINDS NIH HHS4362-71https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC3204834biostudies-literatureUnknown121(11)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 The Journal of clinical investigationSignaling via the prostaglandin E₂ receptor EP4 exerts neuronal and vascular protection in a mouse model of cerebral ischemia.PMC3204834R01 NS045727R01NS045727Andreasson KWang QPan TLiang XLin LAnacker CMerchant MWoodling NSfalseSignaling via the prostaglandin E₂ receptor EP4 exerts neuronal and vascular protection in a mouse model of cerebral ischemia.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 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z2011 Nov2025-04-04T07:25:27.158Z2019-03-27T00:45:32ZS-EPMC32048342196532610.1172/jci4627910.1172/JCI46279