Figure 2.

COX-1 mRNA expression and PGE₂ concentration in the brain of COX-2-null mice 24 h after MCA occlusion. (A) Representative gel illustrating COX-1 mRNA expression assessed by RT-PCR 24 h after MCA occlusion. Similar results were obtained in four separate groups of COX-2 +/+, +/−, and −/− mice. COX-1/PBD OD ratios in the ischemic cortex of COX-2 +/+, +/−, and −/− mice were 1.7 ± 0.4, 1.6 ± 0.2, and 1.8 ± 0.5, respectively (n = 4 per group; P > 0.05). Abbreviations are as in Fig. 1. (B) Effect of MCA occlusion on PGE₂ concentration in the ischemic cortex (Stroke) and contralateral cortex. The PGE₂ elevation in the ischemic cortex in COX-2 +/+ (n = 8) was attenuated in COX-2 +/− (n = 7) and abolished in COX-2 −/− mice (n = 7) (*, P < 0.05 from contralateral; #, P < 0.05 from +/+ stroke).