Modulating nociception networks: the impact of low-intensity focused ultrasound on thalamocortical connectivity.

ABSTRACT: Pain engages multiple brain networks, with the thalamus serving as a critical subcortical hub. This study aims to explore the effects of low-intensity transcranial focused ultrasound-induced suppression on the organization of thalamocortical nociceptive networks. We employed MR-guided focused ultrasound, a potential non-invasive therapy, with real-time ultrasound beam localization feedback and fMRI monitoring. We first functionally identified the focused ultrasound target at the thalamic ventroposterior lateral nucleus by mapping the whole-brain blood oxygenation level-dependent responses to nociceptive heat stimulation of the hand using fMRI in each individual macaque monkey under light anaesthesia. The blood oxygenation level-dependent fMRI signals from the heat-responsive thalamic ventr

SUBMITTER: Mishra A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11878384 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature