Journal of Undergraduate Research
Keywords
COX-2, calbindin, calretinin, male rats, dietary phytoestrogens
College
Life Sciences
Department
Physiology and Developmental Biology
Abstract
Cyclooxygenase, a bifunctional enzyme, converts arachadonic acid to prostaglandins that are important for maintaining critical physiological functions such as nervous system regulation, pain response, and specifically inflammation of tissues. The enzyme exists in two isoforms: COX-1 is constitutionally produced, playing important maintenance roles throughout the body. COX-2 is constitutionally produced in the brain, but is inducible and thus, highly regulated (2). Non-specific inhibition of COX reduces inflammation, but increases gastrointestinal ulcers due to a failure of mucus production by COX-1. Specific COX-2 inhibition controls the inflammatory response, but is not ulcergenic (1,3). At this time the effect of COX-2 regulation on the CNS is unknown.
Recommended Citation
Watson, Melanie A. and Lephart, Dr. Edwin D.
(2013)
"Short-Term Effects of Dietary Phytoestrogens on Calbindin, Calretinin, and COX-2 in Specific Brain Sites of Male Rats,"
Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013:
Iss.
1, Article 1479.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/1479