Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) produces prostaglandin H2 at sites of inflammation and in the kidney and central nervous system. The primary role of COX-2 is to produce pro-inflammatory prostaglandins, regulate renal blood flow, and regulate temperature and pain sensation in the central nervous system. COX-2 is induced in leukocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells and neurons by stimuli such as cytokines, cell growth factors, and endotoxin. COX-2 is inhibited by both non-selective non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (ibuprofen and aspirin) and selective COX-2 inhibitors (rofecoxib).