A role for extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 in the maintenance of persistent mechanical hyperalgesia in ovariectomized mice

▶ERK1/2 are activated in the lumbosacral spinal cord of ovariectomized, hyperalgesic mice. ▶ERK1/2 activation and hyperalgesia were reversed after administration of slow-release pellets containing 17β-estradiol. ▶Intrathecal injections of the ERK 1/2 inhibitor U0126 successfully rescued the mice from the abdominal hyperalgesia for up to 24 h after the injection and also reversed the enhanced expression of ERK 1/2.