['To examine whether connective tissue growth factor(CTGF) induces the production of fractalkine(FLK) by glomerular mesangial cells of rats, and explore the mechanism of signal pathway of CTGF actions.', 'The mRNA expression of FLK was analyzed by RT-PCR in cultured mesangial cells stimulated by CTGF. The protein of FLK in the supernatants of cells was determined by ELISA. The chemotactic effect of the supernatants on monocytes was assessed by the in vitro chemotaxis assay. The phosphorylation of p42/44 MAPK was assessed by Western blot.', 'Treatment of the cells with CTGF enhanced the mRNA expression of FLK and concentration of FLK in the supernatants. Pretreatment of the supernatants of CTGF-treated cells with anti-FLK antibodies partially inhibited the chemotactic effect of the supernatants on monocytes. CTGF increased the p42/44MAPK phosphorylation. Pretreatment of the cells with PD98059 or UO126, inhibitors of phosphorylated p42/44 MAKP, decreased the CTGF-induced expression of phosphorylated p42/44 MAPK and concentration of FLK in supernatants.'] Does [ p42/44 MAPK mediate synthesis of fractalkine by mesangial cells stimulated by connective tissue growth factor ]?