Abstract: Objective To investigate the role of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and its effect on the expression of N-methyl-D- aspartate receptor in rat spinal cord with neuropathic pain. Methods Forty-eight male SD rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=12): sham group (group A), sham + bFGF antibody group (group B), neuropathic pain group (group C), neuropathic pain + bFGF antibody group (group D). Neuropathic pain model was produced by spared nerve injury (SNI). bFGF antibody 18 ug (40 ul) was injected intrathecally on 1, 6, 9, 13, 16 and 20 days after operation in group B and D. The equal volume of phosphate buffered saline was injected intrathecally in group A and C at the same time. The paw withdrawal mechanical threshold (PWMT) was measured on 1, 4, 7, 14 and 21 days after operation and 1 day before operation. Rats in each group were sacrificed on 21d after operation and the lumbar segments of the spinal cord (L4~6) were collected. The expression level of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was detected by immunohistochemical analysis; The expression of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 1 subunit (NR1), N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 2 subunit (NR2A or NR2B) were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot. Results Compared with group A and B, the level of PWMT was decreased and the expression of NR1 and NR2B in spinal cord was increased in group C and D (P<0.05). Compared with group C, the level of PWMT was increased and the expression of NR1 and NR2B in spinal cord was decreased in group D (P<0.05). Conclusion bFGF can reduce degree of neuropathic pain in rat with neuropathic pain induced by SNI, and the effect of bFGF on expression of NMDA receptor may associated with this phenomenon.

Key words: Key words: basic fibroblast growth factor, N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor, Neuropathic pain