A Neural Circuit from Thalamic Paraventricular Nucleus to Central Amygdala for the Facilitation of Neuropathic Pain.

ABSTRACT: As one of the thalamic midline nuclei, the thalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVT) is considered to be an important signal integration site for many descending and ascending pathways that modulate a variety of behaviors, including feeding, emotions, and drug-seeking. A recent study has demonstrated that the PVT is implicated in the acute visceral pain response, but it is unclear whether the PVT plays a critical role in the central processing of chronic pain. Here, we report that the neurons in the posterior portion of the PVT (pPVT) and their downstream pathway are involved in descending nociceptive facilitation regarding the development of neuropathic pain conditions in male rats. Lesions or inhibition of pPVT neurons alleviated mechanical allodynia induced by spared nerve injury (SNI). Th

SUBMITTER: Liang SH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7548696 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature