Expressing features of ERK2 and p-ERK in the hippocampus of mice with vascular dementia

Objective To observe the expressing features of extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK2 and p-ERK) in the 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 ERK2 in hippocampus CA1 and p-ERK in hippocampus CA3 were observed by immunohistochemistry technique.Results The grades of learning and memory of VD mice were obviously decreased compared with sham group(P0.05).The expression of ERK2 in hippocampus CA1 and p-ERK in hippocampus CA3 was significantly lower in the model group than that in the sham group(P0.05).Conclusions 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.