Abstract:

Objective  To evaluate the role of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in the induction of spinal long-term potentiation (LTP) induced by Forskolin. Methods  The C-fiber evoked field potentials were recorded at the superficial layers of spinal dorsal horn at the lumbar enlargement. Results  ① Forskolin (100μmol/L)induced LTP of C-fiber evoked field potentials was blocked by H89 (a PKA inhibitor). ② Specific inhibitor of MAPK PD98059 blocked the induction of spinal LTP by Forskolin. ③ The synaptic potentiation induced by Forskolin was blocked in the presence of either MK-801 or APV, inhibitors of NMDA receptor. Conclusions  MAPK is involved in the induction of LTP of C-fiber evoked field potentials in spinal dorsal horn by Forskolin. Forskolin-induced effect might be mediated via cAMP-PKA-MAPK signaling pathway.

Key words: Mitogen-activated protein kinase；  Forskolin; Long-term potentiation; Spinal dorsal horn; Pathological pain