Tetramethylpyrazine promotes the proliferation and migration of brain endothelial cells

The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of tetramethylpyrazine (TMP), one of the alkaloids isolated from the Chinese herb Chuanxiong, on the proliferation and migration of brain endothelial cells. A different dosage of TMP was employed to stimulate the mouse microvascular cell line bEnd.3 in vitro. TMP at lower concentrations (0.25 ng/ml), however not at high concentrations (100 ng/ml) could promote the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells, which was further enhanced if combined with soluble Fas ligand (sFasL). TMP alone, or combined with sFasL, increased the autocrine signaling of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by endothelial cells and TMP improved the expression of Fas on endothelial cells, which may explain the effect of the sFasL. These results provide insight into the underlying mechanisms of the effects of TMP on stroke and other vascular diseases.