Figure 4

Sustained activation of p-ERK and p-CREB in the spinal cord induced by CIBP. The p-ERK (Figure 4A) and p-CREB (Figure 4B) were tested through Western blots on day 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 (n = 5 for each time group) after cell inoculation. This analysis revealed an activation of p-ERK and p-CREB in the L4-5 spinal dorsal horn from day 3 although at a low level, and that significantly increased (P < 0.05) at other time points (day 6, 9, 12, 18) examined after CIBP. *P < 0.05, ** P < 0.01 vs. control (group N1), group FC model sham, and group U0126 model sham. ^Δ P < 0.05, ^ΔΔ P < 0.01 vs. group U0126 vehicle sham, and group U0126 model sham.