Electroacupuncture produces analgesic effects via cannabinoid CB1 receptor-mediated GABAergic neuronal inhibition in the rostral ventromedial medulla.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Electroacupuncture (EA) is commonly used for pain control in clinical practice, yet the precise mechanisms underlying its action are not fully understood. The rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) plays a crucial role in the modulation of pain. GABAergic neurons in the RVM (GABA^RVM neurons) facilitate nociceptive transmission by inhibiting off-cells activity. This research examined the role of GABA^RVM neurons in the analgesic effects of EA.

Methods

Nociceptive behavior was evaluated using inflammatory pain models induced by complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) and neuropathic pain models induced by chronic constrictive injury (CCI). Also, in situ hybridization, chemogenetics, in vivo mouse calcium imaging, and in vivo electrophysiological recordings

SUBMITTER: Wan K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11881457 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature