Localization of cyclooxygenase-2 and regulation of its mRNA expression in gastric ulcers in rats.

It has been reported that cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) may play a crucial role in gastric ulcer healing. We examined the localization of COX-2 and the regulation of COX-2 mRNA expression in acetic acid ulcers in rats. PGE2 production was elevated in ulcerated tissue but not in intact tissue. COX-2 mRNA expression was induced in only the ulcerated tissue, and COX-2 protein was found in fibroblasts, monocytes/macrophages, and granulocytes. A selective COX-2 inhibitor inhibited increased PGE2 production by the ulcerated tissue. Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) mRNAs were also expressed only in the ulcerated tissue. In a culture of isolated ulcer base, blockade of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha reduced COX-2 mRNA expression and PGE2 production. In contrast, COX-2 mRNA expression and PGE2 production were promoted by prevention of TGF-beta1 action. These results indicate that COX-2 protein is highly localized in the base of gastric ulcers in rats and that COX-2 mRNA expression might be regulated positively by IL-1beta and TNF-alpha and negatively by TGF-beta1.