The Potential Role Of P38MAPK In The Neuropathic Pain

Part One: p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase is activated after chronic constriction injury of the sciatic nerve in rats and promotes to the generation of neuropathic painBackground: To investigate the intracellular signal transduction pathways involved in the pathophysiological mechanisms of neuropathic pain after partial nerve injury, this study was evaluated the potential role of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and spinal cord in the chronic constriction injury (CCI) model.Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups:1) na(?)ve control rats (n=14), 2) sham surgery rats (n=14), 3) CCI surgery rats (n=42). The group3) is divided into three sub-groups: CCI3d, 7d, and 14d (n=14 in each group). Rats from each group were killed at several occasions after surgery and p38 MAPK activity in the DRG and dorsal horn were examined by means of western blot analysis or immunohistochemistry. Meanwhile, the microglial marker OX-42 was used to test the change of microglial in the spinal cord after CCI. Mechanical allodynia was tested by a series of von Frey filament 3, 7,14days after surgery, respectively.