Inhibition of prolactin with bromocriptine for 28days increases blood-brain barrier permeability in the rat

H. Rosas-Hernandez, M. Ramirez, M. A. Ramirez-Lee, S. F. Ali, C. Gonzalez

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is necessary for the proper function of the brain. Its maintenance is regulated by endogenous factors. Recent evidences suggest prolactin (PRL) regulates the BBB properties in vitro, nevertheless no evidence of these effects have been reported in vivo. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of PRL in the maintenance of the BBB in the rat. Male Wistar rats were treated with Bromocriptine (Bromo) to inhibit PRL production for 28. days in the absence or presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). BBB permeability was evaluated through the Evans Blue dye and fluorescein-dextran extravasation as well as through edema formation. The expression of claudin-5, occludin, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and the PRL receptor (PRLR) was evaluated through western blot. Bromo reduced the physiological levels of PRL at 28. days. At the same time, Bromo increased BBB permeability and edema formation associated with a decrement in claudin-5 and occludin and potentiated the increase in BBB permeability induced by LPS. However, no neuroinflammation was detected, since the expression of GFAP was unchanged, as well as the expression of the PRLR. These data provide the first evidence that inhibition of PRL with Bromo affects the maintenance of the BBB through modulating the expression of tight junction proteins in vivo.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)61-70
Number of pages10
JournalNeuroscience
Volume301
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 1 2015
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Blood-brain barrier
  • Lipopolysaccharide
  • Permeability
  • Prolactin
  • Tight junctions

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience

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