Detection of IL-20R1 and IL-20R2 mRNA in C57BL/6 Mice Astroglial Cells and Brain Cortex Following LPS Stimulation

Astrocytes, which comprise ~90% of overall brain mass, are involved in brain immunity. These cells represent the non-professional class of CNS-resident APCs and may promote or inhibit CNS inflammation depending on the cytokines they secrete. IL-10 family of cytokines and their receptors, IL-20R1 and IL-20R2, may have a role in shifting astrocytes to a neuroprotective or neurodegenerative function. To address the expression of IL-20R1 and IL-20R2 cytokine receptors in astrocytes andbrain cortex of C57BL/6 mice. We investigated the expression of IL-20R1 and IL-20R2 in C57BL/6 mice astroglial cells and brain cortex in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR) method. Astrocytes were able to express IL-20R1 and IL-20R2 mRNA not only in response to LPS stimulation but also in the absence of LPS. Furthermore, we found the expression of IL-20R1 and IL-20R2 mRNA in the cortex of adult C57BL/6 mice. IL-20R1 and IL-20R2 are constitutively express in the brain. Since most neuropathological processes involve astrocytes and inflammatory cytokines, these findings have important implications for future therapeutic strategies. Abd Nikfarjam B, et al. Iran J Immunol.