Figure 1. p38K- and ERK1/2-selective small molecule inhibitors block IL-1β-mediated astrocyte TIMP-1.

(A-B) Astrocytes were treated with increasing doses of p38K- and ERK1/2-selective inhibitors (SB203580 and U0126, respectively) for 1 h, and then IL-1β (20 ng/ml) for 12 h. Total RNA was collected and reverse transcribed. TIMP-1 and GAPDH transcripts were quantified by real-time PCR. (C) In parallel, supernatants from 48 well cultures were collected after 24 h IL-1β treatment. Supernatants were analyzed for TIMP-1 expression by ELISA and normalized via MTT assay. Data presented are representative of a minimum of three independent experiments with two or more independent donors. (^*p<0.05, ^**p<0.01, ^***p<0.001; significance indicates versus untreated unless indicated by bar).