Interleukin-1β mRNA Expression after Focal Stroke in Rate

Aim:To investigate the gene expression of IL-1β and its receptor (IL-1Rs) and receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) after focal stroke in rats.Methods: Quantitative reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique was used to examine the mRNA expression profile of IL-1β, EL-1RA and two EL-1R isoforms after permanent occlusion of the middle cerebral artery(MCAO) in rats. Results: IL-1β mRNA expressed very early in ischemic cortex at all time points and greatly increased between 12 hours and 24 hours; the expression of EL-1RA mRNA peaked at 48 hours;IL-RI mRNA was relatively high expressed in normal cortex and was further elevated late after ischemic injruy. In contrast, IL-RⅡ mRNA only expressed in ischemic cortex, reaching peak levels between 24 hours and 48 hours. Conclusion:The gene expression of IL-1β and its receptor (IL-1Rs) and receptor antagonist(IL-1RA) after focal stroke were all elevated. Differential expression of IL-1β, IL-1RA, IL-R I and IL-RⅡ mRNAs after focal stroke may suggest a distinct role(s) for each component of the IL-1 systems in ischemic injury.