Brain protection by a specific neuron receptor after brain bleeding in middle-aged mice

Deletion of the EP2 receptor exacerbated brain injury and neurological deficits in mouse models of intracerebral hemorrhage.

• EP2 receptor expression was found in neurons but not in astrocytes or microglia after collagenase-induced intracerebral hemorrhage.
• Enhanced inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2/9 activity were observed following collagenase-induced brain injury.
• Activation of the EP2 receptor by the agonist AE1-259-01 reversed outcomes related to brain injury, including neuronal death and behavioral deficits.
• Increased brain edema and neurological deficits were noted in the blood-induced intracerebral hemorrhage model with EP2 receptor deletion.
• Neuronal EP2 receptor activation by prostaglandins may protect the brain against injury through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms.

Simplified