Abstract: Objective To study the effect of zinc on expression of phosphorylated camp response-element binding protein(pCREB) in spinal cord of a mouse neuropathic pain(NPP) model. Methods Seventy-two C57/BL6 mice were divided into normal NPP group, low zinc NPP group, high zinc NPP group, and control group(18 in each group) and fed with 30 mg zinc(kg·d), 0.85 mg zinc(kg·d),227 mg zinc sulfate water solution(L·d), and 30 mg forage(kg·d) for 2 weeks, respectively. Seven days after a mouse NPP model was established by injecting 0.5% 5 l capsaicin into the planta(control group:injected solvent), effect of zinc on expression of pCREB in spinal cord of mice was detected by atomic absorption spectrum, immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting, and image analysis, respectively. Results The zinc level in spinal cord and serum were all significantly higher while the expression level of pCREB in spinal cord was significantly lower in high zinc NPP group than in other groups(P<0.01). The zinc level in spinal cord and serum were all significantly lower while the expression level of pCREB in spinal cord was significantly higher in low zinc NPP group than in other groups(P<0.01). Conclusion Zinc can inhibit the expression of pCREB in spinal cord of mouse NPP model.