Cysteinyl leukotriene receptors CysLT1 and CysLT2 are upregulated in acute neuronal injury after focal cerebral ischemia in mice

Aim: To determine whether cysteinyl leukotriene receptors (CysLT(1) and CysLT(2)) are upregulated in acute neuronal injury after focal cerebral ischemia in mice, and to confirm CysL(T)1 receptor localization. Methods: After permanent focal cerebral ischemia was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), neurological deficits and neuron loss were determined at various time points within 48 h. The mRNA expressions of CysLT(1) and CysLT(2) receptors in the brain were analyzed by RT-PCR. CysLT(1) receptor localization was detected by double immunofluorescence. Results: Neurological deficits and neuron loss were found 6, 24 and 48 h after MCAO. The mRNA expressions of both CysLT(1) and CysLT(2) receptors were upregulated in the ischemic hemisphere 1, 24, and 48 h after MCAO with peaks at 24 h. The CysLT(1) receptor was selectively localized in neurons 24 h after MCAO. Conclusion: CysLT(1) and CysLT(2) receptors are upregulated in acute neuronal injury after focal cerebral ischemia, and the CysLT(1) receptor is localized in neurons after ischemia.