We have shown that the MEK/ERK pathway is activated in cerebral ischemia and that the activation results in enhanced expression of contractile cerebrovascular receptors such as endothelin type B, 5-hydroxytryptamie type 1B, angiotension II type AT1, and thromboxane receptors in the cerebral arteries associated with the ischemic region. The gene discussed is MAP2K7; the disease is Cerebral ischemia.