Changes in lnterleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) levels and/or signaling have been implicated in the pathogenesis of cerebral ischemia; however, the mechanism(s) by which this cytokine contributes to neuronal injury are unknown. Therefore, the overall goal of the proposed research project is to investigate the cellular and biochemical pathway(s) by which this cytokine contributes to neuronal injury, utilizing an in vitro model, in which the endogenous production of IL-1beta is simulated by exogenous addition of recombinant IL-1beta and neuronal injury induced by oxygen deprivation. Specifically, utilizing cultures isolated from IL-1 receptor type l-deficient mice, the cell type(s) (astrocytes and/or neurons) mediating the ill effects of IL-1 beta will be identified. Additionally, the hypothesis that activation of neuronal metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 alpha (mGluRlalpha) is necessary for IL-1-mediated injury to occur will be tested. Immunoblotting, immunocytochemistry and pharmacological and genetic approaches will be used to test the hypothesis that IL-1 beta signaling leads to an increased functional expression of mGluR1alpha or enhances mGluRIalpha activity via inhibition of astrocytic glutamate uptake.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
1F31NS052061-01
Application #
6937612
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-F01 (20))
Program Officer
Golanov, Eugene V
Project Start
2005-04-01
Project End
2008-03-31
Budget Start
2005-04-01
Budget End
2006-03-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2005
Total Cost
$26,022
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Connecticut
Department
Neurosciences
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
022254226
City
Farmington
State
CT
Country
United States
Zip Code
06030
Fogal, Birgit; Hewett, Sandra J (2008) Interleukin-1beta: a bridge between inflammation and excitotoxicity? J Neurochem 106:1-23
Fogal, Birgit; Li, Jun; Lobner, Doug et al. (2007) System x(c)- activity and astrocytes are necessary for interleukin-1 beta-mediated hypoxic neuronal injury. J Neurosci 27:10094-105