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.