Is peripheral AP-1 involved in the angiotensin II-enhanced production of proinflammatory cytokines induced by LPS ?

Abstract

Activator protein-1 (AP-1) is a transcription factor that regulates gene expression of many cytokines such as interleukin-1 (IL-1). It has repeatedly been demonstrated that LPS activates AP-1 in macrophages, leading to expression of cytokine mRNA. On the other hand, we have recently found that angiotensin II (ANG II) enhances hepatic expression of IL-1β mRNA induced in rats by intravenous injection of LPS. Since ANG II, too, has been shown to activate AP-1, it is possible that activation of AP-1 by LPS is mediated or enhanced by ANG II, leading to an increase in cytokine production. We examined this possibility and have gotten interesting results, which we will report in the forthcoming "Meeting of the Physiological Society of Japan". [Jpn J Physiol 54 Suppl:S229 (2004)]