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Updated: May 1, 2026
Isolation of Cortical Microglia with Preserved Immunophenotype and Functionality From Murine Neonates
Published on: January 30, 2014
[Effect of Fasudil on the phenotype conversion of LPS-stimulated BV-2 microglia]
Hai-fei Zhang1, Min-fang Guo, Jian Meng
1Department of Neurology, First Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China. haifei2001@163.com
Aim:
To explore the effect of Fasudil on LPS-stimulated BV-2 microglia in inflammatory reaction and phenotype conversion.
Methods:
The routinely cultured BV-2 microglia in vitro were divided into PBS control group, PBS plus Fasudil treatment group, LPS stimulation group and LPS plus Fasudil group. We determined the production of NO by Griess reaction, the level of TNF-α by ELISA, and analyzed the M1 and M2 phenotypes of microglia by flow cytometry.
Results:
The treatment of LPS lead to the characteristics of M1 phenotype in BV-2 microglia. Fasudil inhibited the production of NO and the release of TNF-α in LPS-stimulated BV-2 microglia. Interestingly, Fasudil transformed inflammatory M1 cells to anti-inflammatory M2 cells.
Conclusion:
Fasudil shows an anti-inflammatory effect, which may be associated with the conversion of inflammatory M1 microglia to anti-inflammatory M2 cells.
Insights
Fasudil reduces inflammation in microglia by inhibiting nitric oxide and TNF-α release. This drug also converts pro-inflammatory M1 microglia to anti-inflammatory M2 cells, suggesting a novel therapeutic approach.
Area of Science:
- Neuroinflammation
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Microglia play a crucial role in neuroinflammation.
- Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a potent activator of microglia, inducing an M1 pro-inflammatory phenotype.
- Understanding agents that modulate microglial activation is vital for treating inflammatory conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of Fasudil on LPS-stimulated BV-2 microglia.
- To determine Fasudil's impact on microglial phenotype conversion from M1 to M2.
Main Methods:
- BV-2 microglia were treated with LPS and/or Fasudil in vitro.
- Nitric oxide (NO) production was measured using the Griess reaction.
- Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels were quantified by ELISA.
- Microglial M1 and M2 phenotypes were analyzed via flow cytometry.
Main Results:
- LPS stimulation induced an M1 pro-inflammatory phenotype in BV-2 microglia.
- Fasudil significantly inhibited NO production and TNF-α release in LPS-treated microglia.
- Fasudil treatment promoted the conversion of M1 microglia to an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype.
Conclusions:
- Fasudil exhibits significant anti-inflammatory properties in microglia.
- The anti-inflammatory action of Fasudil is linked to its ability to shift microglia from an M1 to an M2 phenotype.
