ConclusionICT can inhibit LPS-induced mRNA expression of COX-2 and iNOS in primary cultured astrocytes， and its anti-inflammatory mechanism might be associated with the activation of the ER pathway.

    [KEY WORDS]icaritin; lipopolysaccharides; astrocytes; cyclooxygenase 2; nitric oxide synthase

    星形胶质细胞是中枢神经系统中数量最多、分布最广、体积最大的胶质细胞[1]，在维持中枢神经系统内环境稳态、支持营养神经元、参与免疫应答等方面起着重要作用[2]。星形胶质细胞适度激活后可释放多种神经营养因子，发挥神经元保护作用[3]。但过度激活的星形胶质细胞会释放大量的神经炎性因子如白细胞介素-1β(IL-1β)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)、环氧化酶-2(COX-2)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-a)和一氧化氮(NO)等[4-5] ......