[IL-1β promotes the proliferation of astrocytes and downregulates the expression of Kir4.1].

Objective To explore the impact of IL-1β on the proliferation of astrocytes and the expression of the inwardly rectifying potassium channel 4.1 (Kir4.1) in astrocytes. Methods Astrocytes were isolated from cerebral cortex of newborn SD rats and cultured in the presence of IL-1β or IL-1β combined with interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra). The effect of IL-1β on the cell cycle of astrocytes was measured with flow cytometry; the level of Kir4.1 mRNA was determined by quantitative real-time PCR. The level of Kir4.1 protein was detected by Western blotting. Results IL-1β promoted astrocyte proliferation in a time- and dose-dependent manner. After astrocytes were treated with IL-1β (10 ng/mL) for 24 hours, the levels of Kir4.1 mRNA and protein significantly decreased, but IL-1Ra significantly inhibited IL-1β-induced decrease of Kir4.1. The downregulation of Kir4.1 mRNA and protein expressions could be partially reverted when IL-1β was removed. Conclusion IL-1β could promote the proliferation of cultured astrocytes, and IL-1β may be a key factor influencing the expression of Kir4.1 in astrocytes.

KEYWORDS: {{ getKeywords(articleDetailText.words) }}