The Expressing Features of ERK1 and p-ERK in Hippocampus of Mice with Vascular Dementia

Objective:To observe the expressing features of extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK1 and p-ERK) in hippocampus of mice with vascular dementia(VD),and explore its role in the pathogenesis of VD.Methods:The models of VD mice were established by three times ischemia-reperfusion of bilateral common carotid arteries,sham group was set up as contrast group.The behavioral scores of all mice from two groups were investigated by step-down test and water maze test at days 29,30 respectively.The expressing features of ERK1 in hippocampus CA1 and p-ERK in hippocampus CA3 of mice in both groups were observed by immunohistochemistry technique.Results:The grades of learning and memory of VD mice were obviously decreased compared with sham group(P 0.05).The expression of ERK1 in hippocampus CA1 and p-ERK in hippocampus CA3 was significantly lower in the model group than that in the sham group(P0.05).Conclusion:The decreased expression of ERK in hippocampal neurons might participate the pathogenesis of VD.It is suggested that the application of some drugs which could increase the concentration of ERK in hippocampus might be benefit in treatment of VD.