Exploring the influence of synaptic density and anxiety on pain perception: evidence from a [11C]UCB-J positron emission tomography imaging study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Structural and functional brain alterations may be associated with pain and anxiety. We hypothesized that synaptic density (measured in vivo with [11C]UCB-J and positron emission tomography quantification of synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A, SV2A) alterations may play a role in higher pain sensitivity and that this relationship may be mediated by anxiety symptoms.

Methods

Twenty-one mentally and medically healthy subjects (11 males, 10 females; age 45.1 ± 16.9 years) participated in imaging, acute pain (cold pressor test) and anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory) assessments. Synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A density was quantified as regional volumes of distribution (VT) using a 1-tissue compartment model with a plasma input function. Synaptic vesicle glycoprote

SUBMITTER: Moisieienko K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12289550 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature