Multi-timescale Rhythmic Dynamics in Rostral Ventromedial Medulla Neurons.

ABSTRACT: Neural circuits involved in sensory control must integrate fast, reflexive responses with slower, state-dependent modulation. This coordination is especially critical in the pain system, where rapid withdrawal must be balanced against slower adjustments in nociceptive sensitivity that reflect arousal, physiology, and internal state. We hypothesized that neurons of the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM)-the principal brainstem node for descending pain control-operate across multiple temporal scales, combining fast stimulus-evoked responses with slower intrinsic dynamics. Using single-unit recordings from identified RVM ON-, OFF-, and NEUTRAL-cells and probabilistic modeling, we find that ON- and OFF-cells exhibit multi-phase population responses characterized by rapid activation and prolong

SUBMITTER: Ashworth C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12724712 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature