Parthenolide attenuates LPS-induced activation of NF-κB in a timedependent manner in rat myocardium

Parthenolide （PTN）, a selective nuclear factor kappa B （NF-κB） inhibitor, has been used extensively to inhibit NF-κB activation. The duration of the inhibitory effect of PTN on NF-kB in vivo remains unclear. This study was to determine whether a lipopolysaccharide （LPS） challenge 6, 12 and 24 h after the administration of PTN could activate NF-κB. Rats were devided into five groups. The rats in the PTN, PTN＋LPS and DMSO groups were injected intraperitoneally with PTN or DMSO. After 6, 12 or 24 h, LPS was administered in LPS and PTN＋LPS groups. The expressions of NF-κB p50, IκBα and p-IκBα were inhibited in both PTN and PTN＋LPS group at end of 6 and 12 h and no effects at 24 h. In summary, myocardial NF-κB expression occurs 1 h after the administration of LPS. PTN blocks this effect given at 6 h and no inhibitory effect 24 h after administration in vivo.