Abstract
Effects of prokineticins (PKs), a novel family of bioactive peptides with a mitogenic action to endothelial cells of the endocrine gland and testis, on astrocytic functions were examined. Mouse cultured astrocytes expressed PK-R1 type PK receptors, while there was little expression of the PK-R2 type. PKs caused increases in astrocytic cytosolic Ca2+ levels and BrdU incorporation. Increases in Ca2+ levels by PK-2 were diminished by U73122 (a phospholipase C inhibitor). PK-induced BrdU incorporation was inhibited by U73122, GF109203 (a protein kinase C inhibitor) and PD98059 (a MEK/ERK inhibitor). These results indicate that PK receptors are expressed in astrocytes and regulate astrocytic proliferation.
Publication types
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Comparative Study
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Animals, Newborn
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Astrocytes / drug effects
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Astrocytes / metabolism*
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Bromodeoxyuridine / metabolism
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Calcium / metabolism
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Cell Proliferation*
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Cells, Cultured
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Cerebellum / cytology
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Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
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Embryo, Mammalian
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Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology
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Estrenes / pharmacology
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Flavonoids / pharmacology
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Gastrointestinal Hormones / pharmacology
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Gene Expression / physiology*
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Mice
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Neuropeptides / pharmacology
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Pyrrolidinones / pharmacology
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Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / genetics
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Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / metabolism*
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Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, Endocrine-Gland-Derived / pharmacology
Substances
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Enzyme Inhibitors
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Estrenes
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Flavonoids
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Gastrointestinal Hormones
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Neuropeptides
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Prok2 protein, mouse
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Pyrrolidinones
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Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
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Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, Endocrine-Gland-Derived
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1-(6-((3-methoxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-yl)amino)hexyl)-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione
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Bromodeoxyuridine
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2-(2-amino-3-methoxyphenyl)-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one
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Calcium