Inhibitory insula-ACC projections modulate affective but not sensory aspects of neuropathic pain.

ABSTRACT: The insula and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) are brain regions that undergo structural and functional reorganization in neuropathic pain states. Here, we aimed to study inhibitory parvalbumin positive (PV+) posterior insula (pIC) to posterior ACC (pACC) projections, and to evaluate the effects of direct optogenetic manipulation of such projections on mechanical nociception and spontaneous ongoing pain in mice with Spared Nerve Injury (SNI). CTB₄₈₈ tract-tracing in male PVCrexAi9 mice revealed a small proportion of PV+ projections from the pIC to the pACC. Electrophysiological analysis confirmed the existence of synaptic inputs into the pACC by pIC GABAergic cells. Optogenetic stimulation of these pathways did not change mechanical nociception, but induced conditioned place pre

SUBMITTER: Alonso-Matielo H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10440912 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature