Open Access

Role of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase, calcitonin gene-related peptide and cyclooxygenase-2 in experimental rat models of migraine

  • Authors:
    • Xiaomeng Dong
    • Yaozhi Hu
    • Long Jing
    • Jinbo Chen
  • View Affiliations

  • Published online on: April 15, 2015     https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2015.3616
  • Pages: 1803-1809
  • Copyright: © Dong et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License [CC BY_NC 3.0].

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Abstract

Although migraine is a common neurological condition, the pathomechanism is not yet fully understood. Activation of the trigeminovascular system (TVS) has an important function in this disorder and neurogenic inflammation and central sensitization are important mechanisms underlying this condition. Nitroglycerin (NTG) infusion in rats closely mimics a universally accepted human model of migraine. Electrical stimulation of the trigeminal ganglion (ESTG) of rats can also activate TVS during a migraine attack. Numerous studies have revealed that phosphorylated extracellular signal‑regulated kinase (p‑ERK), calcitonin gene‑related peptide (CGRP) and cyclooxygenase‑2 (COX‑2) are involved in pain and nociceptive pathways. However, few studies have examined whether p‑ERK, CGRP and COX‑2 are involved in neurogenic inflammation and central sensitization. In the present study, the expression of p‑ERK, CGRP and COX‑2 was detected in the dura mater, trigeminal ganglion (TG) and spinal trigeminal nucleus caudalis in NTG‑induced rats and ESTG models by immunohistochemistry. The three areas considered were crucial components of the TVS. The selective COX‑2 inhibitor nimesulide was used in ESTG rats to examine the association between p‑ERK, CGRP and COX‑2. The results demonstrated that p‑ERK, CGRP and COX‑2 mediated neurogenic inflammation and central sensitization in migraine. In addition, the expression of p‑ERK and CGRP was attenuated by the COX-2 inhibitor.
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August-2015
Volume 12 Issue 2

Print ISSN: 1791-2997
Online ISSN:1791-3004

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Spandidos Publications style
Dong X, Hu Y, Jing L and Chen J: Role of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase, calcitonin gene-related peptide and cyclooxygenase-2 in experimental rat models of migraine. Mol Med Rep 12: 1803-1809, 2015.
APA
Dong, X., Hu, Y., Jing, L., & Chen, J. (2015). Role of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase, calcitonin gene-related peptide and cyclooxygenase-2 in experimental rat models of migraine. Molecular Medicine Reports, 12, 1803-1809. https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2015.3616
MLA
Dong, X., Hu, Y., Jing, L., Chen, J."Role of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase, calcitonin gene-related peptide and cyclooxygenase-2 in experimental rat models of migraine". Molecular Medicine Reports 12.2 (2015): 1803-1809.
Chicago
Dong, X., Hu, Y., Jing, L., Chen, J."Role of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase, calcitonin gene-related peptide and cyclooxygenase-2 in experimental rat models of migraine". Molecular Medicine Reports 12, no. 2 (2015): 1803-1809. https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2015.3616