Inhibition of MEK1/ERK1/2 using PD98059 reduced the Schwann cell proliferation and differentiation that was induced by FA. Schwann cells were treated by 100 µM FA with or without 20 µM PD98059 for the indicated times. (A) Cell proliferation of Schwann cells treated by FA with or without PD98059 for 0, 24, 48 and 72 h was determined by CCK-8 assay. (B) MAG and MBP mRNA expressed by Schwann cells treated by FA with or without PD98059 for 24 h. (C) Protein expression levels of MAG and MBP expressed by Schwann cells treated by FA with or without PD98059 for 24 h. Data in the graphs are shown as the mean ± standard error of three separate experiments. *P<0.05. MAG, myelin-associated glycoprotein; MBP, myelin basic protein; FA, ferulic acid.