Macrophage migration inhibitory factor activates cyclooxygenase 2-prostaglandin E2 in cultured spinal microglia

► We investigated the functional role of MIF in activating COX 2 cascades in the cultured spinal microglia. ► Exogenous MIF time- and dose-dependently activates microglial COX 2/mPGES-1/PGE2 system. ► Small interference RNA analysis revealed this MIF's role played by binding to membrane CD74. ► Transactivation of both p38 and p44/42 MAPK signaling pathways involves in the regulation of MIF in activating COX 2/mPGES-1/PGE2.