Gamma oscillations in somatosensory cortex recruit prefrontal and descending serotonergic pathways in aversion and nociception.

ABSTRACT: In humans, gamma-band oscillations in the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) correlate with subjective pain perception. However, functional contributions to pain and the nature of underlying circuits are unclear. Here we report that gamma oscillations, but not other rhythms, are specifically strengthened independently of any motor component in the S1 cortex of mice during nociception. Moreover, mice with inflammatory pain show elevated resting gamma and alpha activity and increased gamma power in response to sub-threshold stimuli, in association with behavioral nociceptive hypersensitivity. Inducing gamma oscillations via optogenetic activation of parvalbumin-expressing inhibitory interneurons in the S1 cortex enhances nociceptive sensitivity and induces aversive avoidance behavior. Activit

SUBMITTER: Tan LL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6395755 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature