Regulation of cyclooxygenase-2 expression by cyclic AMP.

Abstract Prostaglandins (PG) regulate many biological processes, among others inflammatory reactions. Cyclooxygenases-1 and -2 (COX-1 and COX-2) catalyse PG synthesis. Since this step is rate limiting, the regulation of COX expression is of critical importance to PG biology. Contrary to COX-1, which is constitutively expressed, COX-2 expression is subject to regulation. For example, COX-2 levels are increased in inflammatory reactions. Many signalling pathways can regulate COX-2 expression, not least those involving receptors for COX products themselves. Analysis of the intracellular signal transducers involved reveals a crucial role for cAMP, albeit as a modulator rather than direct induce…