New class of potential drugs inhibits inflammation in brain

A new group of compounds has been identified by scientists at the Emory University School of Medicine, that may protect brain cells from inflammation linked to seizures and neurodegenerative diseases. The compounds block signals from EP2, one of the four receptors for prostaglandin E2, which is a hormone involved in processes such as fever, childbirth, digestion and blood pressure regulation. Chemicals that could selectively block EP2 were unavailable in the past. The researchers showed that, in animals, the EP2 blockers could markedly reduce injury to the brain induced after a prolonged seizure. Prostaglandins are also the targets for non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen, which inhibit enzymes known as cyclooxygenases, the starting point for generating prostaglandins in the body.