Acetic acid- and phenyl-p-benzoquinone-induced overt pain-like behavior depends on spinal activation of MAP kinases, PI3K and microglia in mice

► Acetic acid and phenyl-p-benzoquinone (PBQ) are widely used models for analgesic drugs screening. ► Spinal treatment with MAP kinases, PI3K and microglia inhibitors reduced writhing response. ► Combined treatment with MAP kinases and PI3K inhibitors significantly reduced writhing response. ► Modulation of MAP kinases, PI3K signaling and microglia can also be evaluated in these models. ► First demonstration that writhing response depends on spinal MAP kinases, PI3K and microglia.