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

抄録

Prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) 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 PGE₂ 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-methoxycinnamaldehyde on PGE₂ production of rat cerebral endothelial cells (CECs). 2-Methoxycinnamaldehyde dose-dependently inhibited interleukin (IL)-1β-induced PGE₂ production in CECs with IC₅₀ values of 174 μM. IL-1β stimulation increased the protein, activity and mRNA expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 but not COX-1. 2-Methoxycinnamaldehyde reduced IL-1β-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.