Expression Of Extracellular Signal-regulated Kinase (p-ERK),Calcitonin Gene-related Peptide (CGRP),Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) In Experimental Rat Models Of Migraine

Objective:To observe the expression of p-ERK, CGRP and COX-2 in pathogenesis of migraine and the connection between the three during migraine attack.Methods:Sixty-four SD male rats were randomly assigned into the blank group, nitroglycerin group and the electrical stimulation group, and nitroglycerin group which divided into NTG model group and nomal saline (NS) group; the electrical stimulation group which divided into the electrical stimulation of the trigeminal ganglion (ESTG) model group, sham-operation (SO) group and nimesulide (NM) group. The dura mater, TG and TNC of each rat were removed to be detected the expression of p-ERK, CGRP and COX-2 by immunohistochemistry.Results:① Compared to each control group, the expression of p-ERK,CGRP and COX-2 in the dura mater, TG and TNC were extremely enhanced in NTG model group and ESTG model group(p<0.001);② The expression of p-ERK in 30min group is higher than 1h group and 3h group after NTG administration, then gradually decreased, until the basic degree in 3h;③ The expression of the p-ERK,CGRP and COX-2 in NM group were lower than the ESTG group (p<0.05), but higher than the blank group and SO group in the dura mater, TG and TNC.Conclusion:① The up-regulated expression of p-ERK, CGRP and COX-2 was associated with migraine attack;②The expression of p-ERK, CGRP and COX-2 was related to the neurogenic inflammation and central sensitization of migraine, and p-ERK potentially took part in the early process of migraine, while CGRP and COX-2 are likely play a critical role in the whole process during the migraine attack; ③There is a close relationship between p-ERK, CGRP and COX-2 during migraine process.