Abstract
Modulation of neural-immune interactions by estrogen in the spleens of ovariectomized (OVX) middle-aged female rats was examined. Con A-induced lymphoproliferation, splenic tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and nerve growth factor (NGF) expression, levels of p-ERK 1/2, p-CREB, and p-Akt, and activity of superoxide dismutase decreased in OVX rats while estrogen treatment enhanced their expression, levels, and activity. Also, estrogen treatment enhanced Con A-induced IFN-γ production and decreased Con A-induced IL-2 production compared to OVX animals. In contrast, estrogen increased the extent of lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl formation while OVX induced a decline in protein carbonyl formation. These results suggest that estrogen enhances neural-immune interactions while simultaneously affecting it through generation of free radicals as reflected by increased lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl formation.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 7-15 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Journal of Neuroimmunology |
Volume | 267 |
Issue number | 1-2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2014 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Akt
- CREB
- Cytokine
- ERK
- Nerve growth factor
- Tyrosine hydroxylase
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Immunology and Allergy
- Immunology
- Neurology
- Clinical Neurology