Is brain NF-kappa B or AP-1 involved in the angiotensin II-enhanced production of proinflammatory cytokines induced by LPS?

Abstract

Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) are transcription factors that regulate gene expression of many cytokines such as interleukin-1 (IL-1). It has repeatedly been demonstrated that LPS activates NF-κB and AP-1 in monocytes, leading to cytokine production. On the other hand, we have recently found that brain angiotensin II (ANG II) enhances an increase in brain levels of IL-1 induced in rats by intracerebroventricular injection of LPS. Since ANG II, too, has been shown to activate NF-κB and AP-1, it is possible that activation of NF-κB and/or 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:S233 (2004)]