INTERLEUKIN-1 RECEPTORS TYPE-I AND TYPE-II IN THE MOUSE-BRAIN - KINETICS OF MESSENGER-RNA EXPRESSIONS AFTER PERIPHERAL ADMINISTRATION OF BACTERIAL LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE

The expression of transcripts for Interleukin-l (IL-I) type I and type II receptors (IL-1R1, IL-1R2) was investigated in the mouse brain and spleen using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction techniqu es under basal conditions and following injection of endotoxin (LPS, i .p., 4 mg/kg). Under basal conditions, mRNAs for both receptor types w ere found in various parts of the brain, in pituitary as well as in sp leen. Following LPS stimulation, mRNA expressions were increased in al l studied tissues. IL-1R1 mRNAs were predominant in the brain and pitu itary while, IL-1R2 mRNAs were more abundant in the spleen. The maxima l quantity of transcripts (IL-1R1, IL-1R2) was obtained 6 h after LPS injection in all studied tissues. The decrease to basal level was obse rved within 48 h in the brain. In the spleen, IL-1R1 mRNAs remained el evated 48 h after LPS while IL-1R2 mRNAs had already reached basal lev el. These results indicate a LPS-induced stimulation of IL-1 receptors mRNAs in the brain and a differential expression of IL-1R1 and IL-1R2 transcripts in brain and immune tissues.