RESUMEN
Objective To investigate effects of endotoxin on 11?-HSD2 gene transcription in vascular endothelial cells to observe the role of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) signaling pathway. Methods The effects of endotoxin in the presence or absence of p38 MAPK specific inhibitor SB203580 on the transcription of 11?-HSD2 in vascular endothelial cells was evaluated by reverse transcription DNA polymerase chain reaction. Results Treatments of endotoxin (1.0, 10, 20, 50, 100 ?g/ L) for 24 h increased the ratios of 11?-HSD2mRNA/?-actin mRNA in vascular endothelial cells. The induction of 11?-HSD2 mRNA by endotoxin could be inhibited partially by 10 mmol/ L SB203580. Conclusion Endotoxin stimulated the transcription of 11?-HSD2 gene in vascular endothelial cells. The activation of p38 MAPK might be an important mechanism of 11?-HSD2 gene induced by endotoxin.