Thalamic CGRP neurons define a spinothalamic pathway for affective pain.

ABSTRACT: Pain is both a sensory and emotional experience caused by various harmful stimuli. While numerous studies have explored peripheral and central pain mechanisms, the specific neural circuits linking the spinal cord to the brain remain poorly defined. In this study, we demonstrate the involvement of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-positive neurons in the parvicellular part of the subparafascicular nucleus (SPFp) in pain. Tracing revealed that CGRP neurons in the SPFp (CGRP^SPFp) receive projections from the dorsal horn. Increased calcium activity was observed in CGRP^SPFp neurons during mechanical, thermal, and inflammatory stimuli. Genetic silencing of these neurons resulted in reduced pain responses in animals. Furthermore, optogenetic activation of CGRP^SPFp<

SUBMITTER: Kang SJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12280894 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature