[The extracellular signal-regulated kinase was promoted by pyrroloquinoline quinine in cultured Schwann cells].

Objective To investigate the effect of mitogen-activated protein kinase(MEK)kinase cascade,extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK1/2)signal pathway on Schwann cells proliferation promoted by Pyrroloquinoline Quinine(PQQ)and its molecular mechanisms. Methods Schwann cells were cultured and purified in vitro.The purity was identified by S-100.Different time and concentration of PQQ was added into culture medium.The expression of ERK1/2 and phosphorylated-ERK1/2 was detected by western blot.The expression of p-ERK1/2 after blocking of MEK signal pathway by specific inhibitor PD98059 was detected by western blot. Results Morphological change was observed in PQQ treated Schwann cells.1 ～ 500 nmol/L PQQ could up-regulate the expression of p-ERK1/2,and 1 000 nmol/Lhad no effects,while 10 000 nmol/L exhibited inhibitory effect(P＜0.05).p-ERKI/2 increased to peak 1 h after PQQ added,and this up-regulation of p-ERKI/2 was inhibited by PD98059(P＜0.05). Conclusions PQQ could affect morphology of Schwann cells and activation of ERKI/2.MEK inhibitor PD98059 could block this activation.It suggests that MEK/ERK signal pathway should be involved in Schwann cells proliferation promoted by PQQ. Key words: Pyrroloquinoline Quinone; Schwann cell; Proliferation; MEK/ERK pathway