Inhibition of kainic acid induced expression of interleukin-1β and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist mRNA in the rat brain by NMDA receptor antagonists

The cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) are rapidly induced in response to excitotoxic and ischemic brain damage. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of a non-competitive (dizocilpine maleate, MK-801) and a competitive ((R)-CPP) NMDA receptor antagonist on the transient cytokine expression in the rat brain induced by systemic kainic acid administration. Peripheral administration of...