Task-dependent functional connectivity of pain is associated with the magnitude of placebo analgesia in pain-free individuals.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Task-based functional connectivity (FC) of pain-related regions resulting from expectancy-based placebo induction has yet to be examined, limiting our understanding of regions and networks associated with placebo analgesia.

Methods

Fifty-five healthy pain-free adults over 18 (M = 22.8 years, SD = 7.75) were recruited (65.5% women; 63.6% non-Hispanic/Latino/a/x; 58.2% White). Participants completed a baseline followed by a placebo session involving the topical application of an inactive cream in the context of an expectancy-enhancing instruction set. Noxious heat stimuli were applied to the thenar eminence of the right palm using an fMRI-safe thermode. Stimulus intensity was individually calibrated to produce pain ratings of approximately 40 on a 100-point visual a

SUBMITTER: Bush NJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10527332 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature