Fig. 3.

CCL2 enhances NMDA currents via ERK activation. A, B Western blots showing CCL2 directly increases neuronal pERK levels, and this effect is blocked by intracellular PD98059 (pERK blocker) and extracellular RS504393 (CCR2 inhibitor) (⁺⁺P < 0.01 vs Naïve, *P < 0.05 vs CCL2, n = 6–7). C, D Superfusion of NMDA (50 μmol) at a holding potential of –40 mV, induces a robust inward current in WT mice. Superfusion of CCL2 at 100 ng/mL increases NMDA-induced currents (*P < 0.05, n = 6–7), and this is abolished by the antagonist RS504393. The ERK blocker PD98059 in the pipette solution abolishes the enhancement effect of CCL2 on NMDA-induced currents on lamina IIo neurons.