ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) have been observed in synaptic plasticity processes of learning and memory in neuropathic pain. Cerebrospinal fluid-contacting nucleus (CSF-CN) has been identified with the onset and persistence of neuropathic pain. However, whether extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 5 (ERK5), a member of MAPKs, in CSF-CN participates in neuropathic pain has not been studied yet. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to identify the role of ERK5 in CSF-CN on the formation and development of neuropathic pain, and to investigate its possible mechanism. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled animal study. SETTING: University laboratory. METHODS: After a chronic constriction injury (CCI) model was produced, BIX02188 was dissolved in 1% DMSO and injected into the lateral ventricles LV in a volume of 3 µl with different doses (0.1 µg, 1 µg, 10 µg). Mechanical allodynia and thermal hypersensitivity behavioral test, immunofluorescence, and western blot technique were used in this research. RESULT: Following CCI, mechanical allodynia and thermal hypersensitivity were developed within a day, peaked at 14 days, and persisted for 21 days. ERK5 was remarkably activated by CCI in CSF-CN. Moreover, selective inhibiting of p-ERK5 expression in CSF-CN by BIX02188 could significantly relieve CCI-induced mechanical allodynia and thermal hypersensitivity, accompanying with the decreased phosphorylation of cAMP response-element binding protein (CREB) in CSF-CN. LIMITATIONS: More underlying mechanism(s) of the role of ERK5 in CSF-CN on the formation and development of neuropathic pain will be needed to explore in future research. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest activation of ERK5 in CSF-CN might contribute to the onset and development of neuropathic pain and its role might be partly accomplished by p-CREB.
