This invention pertains to the discovery of a novel pathway that mediates hyperalgesia, neuropathic pain, and inflammatory pain. This pathway is a third independent pathway that involves activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) 1 and 2. The pathway comprises a Ras-MEK-ERK1/2 cascade that acts independent of PKA or PKC epsilon as a novel signaling pathway for the production of inflammatory (and neuropathic) pain. This pathway presents numerous targets for a new class of analgesic agents.
A NOVEL SIGNALING PATHWAY FOR THE PRODUCTION OF INFLAMMATORY PAIN AND NEUROPATHY