The effects of MK-801 on the phosphorylation of Ser338-c-Raf-MEK-ERK pathway in the rat frontal cortex

Yong Min Ahn, Myoung Suk Seo, Se Hyun Kim, Yeni Kim, Yong Sung Juhnn, Yong Sik Kim

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

25 Scopus citations

Abstract

MK-801 induces psychotomimetic behavioural changes in animals. ERKs play an important role in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia and in the action of antipsychotics and psychotomimetics. We observed phosphorylation of ERK-signalling-pathway-associated molecules in the rat frontal cortex and their association with rat behaviour after MK-801 administration. After injecting 0.25-1 mg/kg MK-801, ERK phosphorylation decreased compared to vehicle treatment, and rats showed increased locomotion. After 2 mg/kg treatment, ERK phosphorylation increased and rat motility started to decrease. After treating with 4-8 mg/kg, ERK phosphorylation once again decreased and rats showed hypomotility and ataxia. ERK phosphorylation levels were maintained from 15 min to 90 min after 1 or 2 mg/kg treatment. Ser338-c-Raf and MEK phosphorylation showed similar dose-dependent and temporal patterns to those of ERK. Taken together, Ser338-c-Raf-MEK-ERK phosphorylation by MK-801 in the rat frontal cortex showed a specific pattern and may be associated with behavioural changes induced by MK-801.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)451-456
Number of pages6
JournalInternational Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology
Volume9
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2006

Keywords

  • ERK
  • MEK
  • MK-801
  • Psychotomimetics
  • c-Raf

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