The role of the expression of Epac protein in dorsal root ganglion in the regulation of inflammatory pain in rats

Aim To investigate the role of Epac(exchange protein directly activated by cAMP) signaling in the dorsal root ganglion(DRG) of rats during the inflammatory pain. Methods Adult SD male rats(230~250g) were chosen to establish the model of inflammatory pain through subcutaneous injection of complete Freund’s adjuvant(CFA) on the center of left hind foot. Western blotting and immunofluorescence technique were used to detect the expression of Epac1 and Epac2 protein in DRG. Results ① Compared with the saline control group (control), the expression of Epac1 and Epac2 protein in DRG were increased significantly in d3、d6 and d14 in CFA group (P<0.05); ②Compared with control group, the number of Epac1 positive neurons in DRG was significantly increased in d3 to d14 in CFA group (P<0.05). Conclusion The expression of Epac protein in DRG might be involved in the development of chronic inflammatory pain.