Tetramethylpyrazine promotes the proliferation and migration of brain endothelial cells.
The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of tetramethylpyrazine (TMP), one of the alkaloids isolated from the Chinese herb Chuanxiong, on the proliferation and migration of brain endothelial cells. A different dosage of TMP was employed to stimulate the mouse microvascular cell line bEnd.3 in vitro. TMP at lower concentrations (0.25 ng/ml), however not at high concentrations (100 ng/ml) could promote the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells, which was further enhanced if combined with soluble Fas ligand (sFasL). TMP alone, or combined with sFasL, increased the autocrine signaling of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by endothelial cells and TMP improved the expression of Fas on endothelial cells, which may explain the effect of the sFasL. These results provide insight into the underlying mechanisms of the effects of TMP on stroke and other vascular diseases.
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China.
Mingshun
M
Zhang
Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of TCM, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China.
Feng
F
Gao
Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of TCM, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China.
Fengmeng
F
Teng
Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210046, P.R. China.
Chunbing
C
Zhang
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000166:cytology; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000187:drug effects; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D053222:Fas Ligand Protein / Q000494:pharmacology; D051379:Mice; D011719:Pyrazines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000378:metabolism; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*
D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D053222:Fas Ligand Protein; D011719:Pyrazines; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D014665:Vasodilator Agents; C017953:tetramethylpyrazine