Aim: To explore the effect of Fasudil on LPS-stimulated BV-2 microglia in inflammatory reaction and phenotype conversion.
Methods: The routinely cultured BV-2 microglia in vitro were divided into PBS control group, PBS plus Fasudil treatment group, LPS stimulation group and LPS plus Fasudil group. We determined the production of NO by Griess reaction, the level of TNF-α by ELISA, and analyzed the M1 and M2 phenotypes of microglia by flow cytometry.
Results: The treatment of LPS lead to the characteristics of M1 phenotype in BV-2 microglia. Fasudil inhibited the production of NO and the release of TNF-α in LPS-stimulated BV-2 microglia. Interestingly, Fasudil transformed inflammatory M1 cells to anti-inflammatory M2 cells.
Conclusion: Fasudil shows an anti-inflammatory effect, which may be associated with the conversion of inflammatory M1 microglia to anti-inflammatory M2 cells.