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Legon W, Strohman A, In A, Payne B. Noninvasive neuromodulation of subregions of the human insula differentially affect pain processing and heart-rate variability: a within-subjects pseudo-randomized trial. Pain 2024; 165:1625-1641. [PMID: 38314779 PMCID: PMC11189760 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The insula is an intriguing target for pain modulation. Unfortunately, it lies deep to the cortex making spatially specific noninvasive access difficult. Here, we leverage the high spatial resolution and deep penetration depth of low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) to nonsurgically modulate the anterior insula (AI) or posterior insula (PI) in humans for effect on subjective pain ratings, electroencephalographic (EEG) contact heat-evoked potentials, as well as autonomic measures including heart-rate variability (HRV). In a within-subjects, repeated-measures, pseudo-randomized trial design, 23 healthy volunteers received brief noxious heat pain stimuli to the dorsum of their right hand during continuous heart-rate, electrodermal, electrocardiography and EEG recording. Low-intensity focused ultrasound was delivered to the AI (anterior short gyrus), PI (posterior longus gyrus), or under an inert Sham condition. The primary outcome measure was pain rating. Low-intensity focused ultrasound to both AI and PI similarly reduced pain ratings but had differential effects on EEG activity. Low-intensity focused ultrasound to PI affected earlier EEG amplitudes, whereas LIFU to AI affected later EEG amplitudes. Only LIFU to the AI affected HRV as indexed by an increase in SD of N-N intervals and mean HRV low-frequency power. Taken together, LIFU is an effective noninvasive method to individually target subregions of the insula in humans for site-specific effects on brain biomarkers of pain processing and autonomic reactivity that translates to reduced perceived pain to a transient heat stimulus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wynn Legon
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA, United States
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
- Center for Human Neuroscience Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA, United States
- Center for Health Behaviors Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA, United States
| | - Andrew Strohman
- Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, United States
- Graduate Program in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Roanoke, VA, United States
| | - Alexander In
- Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, United States
| | - Brighton Payne
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA, United States
- Center for Health Behaviors Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA, United States
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Grajales-Reyes JG, Chen B, Meseguer D, Schneeberger M. Burning Question: How Does Our Brain Process Positive and Negative Cues Associated with Thermosensation? Physiology (Bethesda) 2024; 39:0. [PMID: 38536114 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00034.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Whether it is the dramatic suffocating sensation from a heat wave in the summer or the positive reinforcement arising from a hot drink on a cold day; we can certainly agree that our thermal environment underlies our daily rhythms of sensation. Extensive research has focused on deciphering the central circuits responsible for conveying the impact of thermogenesis on mammalian behavior. Here, we revise the recent literature responsible for defining the behavioral correlates that arise from thermogenic fluctuations in mammals. We transition from the physiological significance of thermosensation to the circuitry responsible for the autonomic or behavioral responses associated with it. Subsequently, we delve into the positive and negative valence encoded by thermoregulatory processes. Importantly, we emphasize the crucial junctures where reward, pain, and thermoregulation intersect, unveiling a complex interplay within these neural circuits. Finally, we briefly outline fundamental questions that are pending to be addressed in the field. Fully deciphering the thermoregulatory circuitry in mammals will have far-reaching medical implications. For instance, it may lead to the identification of novel targets to overcome thermal pain or allow the maintenance of our core temperature in prolonged surgeries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose G Grajales-Reyes
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - Bandy Chen
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Laboratory of Neurovascular Control of Homeostasis, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
- Wu Tsai Institute for Mind and Brain, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - David Meseguer
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Laboratory of Neurovascular Control of Homeostasis, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
- Wu Tsai Institute for Mind and Brain, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - Marc Schneeberger
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Laboratory of Neurovascular Control of Homeostasis, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
- Wu Tsai Institute for Mind and Brain, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
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Faig CA, Kim GHK, Do AD, Dworsky-Fried Z, Jackson J, Taylor AMW. Claustrum projections to the anterior cingulate modulate nociceptive and pain-associated behavior. Curr Biol 2024; 34:1987-1995.e4. [PMID: 38614081 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.03.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is critical for the perception and unpleasantness of pain.1,2,3,4,5,6 It receives nociceptive information from regions such as the thalamus and amygdala and projects to several cortical and subcortical regions of the pain neuromatrix.7,8 ACC hyperexcitability is one of many functional changes associated with chronic pain, and experimental activation of ACC pyramidal cells produces hypersensitivity to innocuous stimuli (i.e., allodynia).9,10,11,12,13,14 A less-well-studied projection to the ACC arises from a small forebrain region, the claustrum.15,16,17,18,19,20 Stimulation of excitatory claustrum projection neurons preferentially activates GABAergic interneurons, generating feed-forward inhibition onto excitatory cortical networks.21,22,23,24 Previous work has shown that claustrocingulate projections display altered activity in prolonged pain25,26,27; however, it remains unclear whether and how the claustrum participates in nociceptive processing and high-order pain behaviors. Inhibition of ACC activity reverses mechanical allodynia in animal models of persistent and neuropathic pain,1,9,28 suggesting claustrum inputs may function to attenuate pain processing. In this study, we sought to define claustrum function in acute and chronic pain. We found enhanced claustrum activity after a painful stimulus that was attenuated in chronic inflammatory pain. Selective inhibition of claustrocingulate projection neurons enhanced acute nociception but blocked pain learning. Inversely, chemogenetic activation of claustrocingulate neurons had no effect on basal nociception but rescued inflammation-induced mechanical allodynia. Together, these results suggest that claustrocingulate neurons are a critical component of the pain neuromatrix, and dysregulation of this connection may contribute to chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian A Faig
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Alberta, 8613 114 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, 11315 87 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Gloria H K Kim
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, 11315 87 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Alison D Do
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, 8613 114 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Zoë Dworsky-Fried
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Alberta, 8613 114 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Jesse Jackson
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, 11315 87 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada; Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, 8613 114 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada.
| | - Anna M W Taylor
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Alberta, 8613 114 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, 11315 87 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada; Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta, University of Alberta, 11315 87 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada; Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Alberta, 8440 112 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7, Canada.
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Zhang H, Zhu Z, Ma WX, Kong LX, Yuan PC, Bu LF, Han J, Huang ZL, Wang YQ. The contribution of periaqueductal gray in the regulation of physiological and pathological behaviors. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1380171. [PMID: 38650618 PMCID: PMC11034386 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1380171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Periaqueductal gray (PAG), an integration center for neuronal signals, is located in the midbrain and regulates multiple physiological and pathological behaviors, including pain, defensive and aggressive behaviors, anxiety and depression, cardiovascular response, respiration, and sleep-wake behaviors. Due to the different neuroanatomical connections and functional characteristics of the four functional columns of PAG, different subregions of PAG synergistically regulate various instinctual behaviors. In the current review, we summarized the role and possible neurobiological mechanism of different subregions of PAG in the regulation of pain, defensive and aggressive behaviors, anxiety, and depression from the perspective of the up-down neuronal circuits of PAG. Furthermore, we proposed the potential clinical applications of PAG. Knowledge of these aspects will give us a better understanding of the key role of PAG in physiological and pathological behaviors and provide directions for future clinical treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Joint International Research Laboratory of Sleep, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Screening and Re-evaluation of Active Compounds of Herbal Medicines in Southern Anhui, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center for Polysaccharide Drugs, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Zhe Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Joint International Research Laboratory of Sleep, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Xiang Ma
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Joint International Research Laboratory of Sleep, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling-Xi Kong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Joint International Research Laboratory of Sleep, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping-Chuan Yuan
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Screening and Re-evaluation of Active Compounds of Herbal Medicines in Southern Anhui, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center for Polysaccharide Drugs, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Li-Fang Bu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Joint International Research Laboratory of Sleep, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Han
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Screening and Re-evaluation of Active Compounds of Herbal Medicines in Southern Anhui, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center for Polysaccharide Drugs, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Zhi-Li Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Joint International Research Laboratory of Sleep, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi-Qun Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Joint International Research Laboratory of Sleep, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Zhu H, Tao Y, Wang S, Zhu X, Lin K, Zheng N, Chen LM, Xu F, Wu R. fMRI, LFP, and anatomical evidence for hierarchical nociceptive routing pathway between somatosensory and insular cortices. Neuroimage 2024; 289:120549. [PMID: 38382864 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2024.120549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The directional organization of multiple nociceptive regions, particularly within obscure operculoinsular areas, underlying multidimensional pain processing remains elusive. This study aims to establish the fundamental organization between somatosensory and insular cortices in routing nociceptive information. By employing an integrated multimodal approach of high-field fMRI, intracranial electrophysiology, and transsynaptic viral tracing in rats, we observed a hierarchically organized connection of S1/S2 → posterior insula → anterior insula in routing nociceptive information. The directional nociceptive pathway determined by early fMRI responses was consistent with that examined by early evoked LFP, intrinsic effective connectivity, and anatomical projection, suggesting fMRI could provide a valuable facility to discern directional neural circuits in animals and humans non-invasively. Moreover, our knowledge of the nociceptive hierarchical organization of somatosensory and insular cortices and the interface role of the posterior insula may have implications for the development of targeted pain therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yan Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Siqi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xutao Zhu
- Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Kunzhang Lin
- Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Ning Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Li Min Chen
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science and Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
| | - Fuqiang Xu
- Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China.
| | - Ruiqi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology, Shanghai 200031, China.
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6
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Dinh TNA, Moon HS, Kim SG. Separation of bimodal fMRI responses in mouse somatosensory areas into V1 and non-V1 contributions. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6302. [PMID: 38491035 PMCID: PMC10943206 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56305-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Multisensory integration is necessary for the animal to survive in the real world. While conventional methods have been extensively used to investigate the multisensory integration process in various brain areas, its long-range interactions remain less explored. In this study, our goal was to investigate interactions between visual and somatosensory networks on a whole-brain scale using 15.2-T BOLD fMRI. We compared unimodal to bimodal BOLD fMRI responses and dissected potential cross-modal pathways with silencing of primary visual cortex (V1) by optogenetic stimulation of local GABAergic neurons. Our data showed that the influence of visual stimulus on whisker activity is higher than the influence of whisker stimulus on visual activity. Optogenetic silencing of V1 revealed that visual information is conveyed to whisker processing via both V1 and non-V1 pathways. The first-order ventral posteromedial thalamic nucleus (VPM) was functionally affected by non-V1 sources, while the higher-order posterior medial thalamic nucleus (POm) was predominantly modulated by V1 but not non-V1 inputs. The primary somatosensory barrel field (S1BF) was influenced by both V1 and non-V1 inputs. These observations provide valuable insights for into the integration of whisker and visual sensory information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thi Ngoc Anh Dinh
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research (CNIR), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon, 16419, South Korea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, South Korea
| | - Hyun Seok Moon
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research (CNIR), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon, 16419, South Korea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, South Korea
| | - Seong-Gi Kim
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research (CNIR), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon, 16419, South Korea.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, South Korea.
- Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, South Korea.
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7
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Li Y, Lee SH, Yu C, Hsu LM, Wang TWW, Do K, Kim HJ, Shih YYI, Grill WM. Optogenetic fMRI reveals therapeutic circuits of subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.22.581627. [PMID: 38464010 PMCID: PMC10925223 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.22.581627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
While deep brain stimulation (DBS) is widely employed for managing motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD), its exact circuit mechanisms remain controversial. To identify the neural targets affected by therapeutic DBS in PD, we analyzed DBS-evoked whole brain activity in female hemi-parkinsonian rats using function magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). We delivered subthalamic nucleus (STN) DBS at various stimulation pulse repetition rates using optogenetics, allowing unbiased examinations of cell-type specific STN feed-forward neural activity. Unilateral STN optogenetic stimulation elicited pulse repetition rate-dependent alterations of blood-oxygenation-level-dependent (BOLD) signals in SNr (substantia nigra pars reticulata), GP (globus pallidus), and CPu (caudate putamen). Notably, these manipulations effectively ameliorated pathological circling behavior in animals expressing the kinetically faster Chronos opsin, but not in animals expressing ChR2. Furthermore, mediation analysis revealed that the pulse repetition rate-dependent behavioral rescue was significantly mediated by optogenetically induced activity changes in GP and CPu, but not in SNr. This suggests that the activation of GP and CPu are critically involved in the therapeutic mechanisms of STN DBS.
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Aygün O, Mohr E, Duff C, Matthew S, Schoenberg P. Oxytocin Modulation in Mindfulness-Based Pain Management for Chronic Pain. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:253. [PMID: 38398763 PMCID: PMC10890287 DOI: 10.3390/life14020253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In the context of chronic pain management, opioid-based treatments have been heavily relied upon, raising concerns related to addiction and misuse. Non-pharmacological approaches, such as Mindfulness-Based Pain Management, offer alternative strategies. We conducted a mechanistic clinical study to investigate the impact of an 8-week Mindfulness-Based Pain Management intervention on chronic pain, the modulation of inflammatory markers, stress physiology, and oxytocin, and their interplay with clinical pain symptoms and perception, in comparison to a patient wait-list active control. A total of 65 participants, including 50 chronic pain patients and 15 healthy controls, underwent salivary assays to assess endocrine markers, oxytocin, interleukin (IL)-1b, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S). Psychological assessments were also conducted to evaluate aspects of pain perception, mindfulness, mood, and well-being. Findings revealed significant differences between chronic pain patients and healthy controls in various clinical metrics, highlighting the psychological distress experienced by patients. Following Mindfulness-Based Pain Management, oxytocin levels significantly increased in chronic pain patients, that was not observed in the patient wait-list control group. In contrast, cytokine and DHEA-S levels decreased (not to statistically significant margins) supporting anti-inflammatory effects of Mindfulness-Based Pain Management. The fact DHEA-S levels, a marker of stress, did attenuate but not to statistically meaningful levels, suggests that pain reduction was not solely related to stress reduction, and that oxytocin pathways may be more salient than previously considered. Psychological assessments demonstrated substantial improvements in pain perception and mood in the intervention group. These results contribute to the growing body of evidence regarding the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in chronic pain management and underscore oxytocin's potential role as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oytun Aygün
- Laboratoire DysCo, Université Paris 8 Vincennes-Saint-Denis, 93526 Saint-Denis, France;
| | - Emily Mohr
- Osher Center for Integrative Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
| | - Colin Duff
- Breathworks Foundation, Manchester M4 1DZ, UK
| | | | - Poppy Schoenberg
- Osher Center for Integrative Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
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9
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Chen Y, Fernandez Z, Scheel N, Gifani M, Zhu DC, Counts SE, Dorrance AM, Razansky D, Yu X, Qian W, Qian C. Novel inductively coupled ear-bars (ICEs) to enhance restored fMRI signal from susceptibility compensation in rats. Cereb Cortex 2024; 34:bhad479. [PMID: 38100332 PMCID: PMC10793587 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhad479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Functional magnetic resonance imaging faces inherent challenges when applied to deep-brain areas in rodents, e.g. entorhinal cortex, due to the signal loss near the ear cavities induced by susceptibility artifacts and reduced sensitivity induced by the long distance from the surface array coil. Given the pivotal roles of deep brain regions in various diseases, optimized imaging techniques are needed. To mitigate susceptibility-induced signal losses, we introduced baby cream into the middle ear. To enhance the detection sensitivity of deep brain regions, we implemented inductively coupled ear-bars, resulting in approximately a 2-fold increase in sensitivity in entorhinal cortex. Notably, the inductively coupled ear-bar can be seamlessly integrated as an add-on device, without necessitating modifications to the scanner interface. To underscore the versatility of inductively coupled ear-bars, we conducted echo-planner imaging-based task functional magnetic resonance imaging in rats modeling Alzheimer's disease. As a proof of concept, we also demonstrated resting-state-functional magnetic resonance imaging connectivity maps originating from the left entorhinal cortex-a central hub for memory and navigation networks-to amygdala hippocampal area, Insular Cortex, Prelimbic Systems, Cingulate Cortex, Secondary Visual Cortex, and Motor Cortex. This work demonstrates an optimized procedure for acquiring large-scale networks emanating from a previously challenging seed region by conventional magnetic resonance imaging detectors, thereby facilitating improved observation of functional magnetic resonance imaging outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Chen
- Department of High-field Magnetic Resonance, Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tuebingen 72076, Germany
- Department of Radiology and Cognitive Imaging Research Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States
| | - Zachary Fernandez
- Department of Radiology and Cognitive Imaging Research Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States
| | - Norman Scheel
- Department of Radiology and Cognitive Imaging Research Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States
| | - Mahsa Gifani
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, United States
| | - David C Zhu
- Department of Radiology and Cognitive Imaging Research Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States
| | - Scott E Counts
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, United States
- Department of Family Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, United States
- Department of Hauenstein Neurosciences Center, Mercy Health Saint Mary’s Hospital, Grand Rapids, MI 49508, United States
- Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, United States
| | - Anne M Dorrance
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States
| | - Daniel Razansky
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich 8006, Switzerland
- Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, ETH Zurich, Institute for Biomedical Engineering, , Zurich 8092, Switzerland
- Zurich Neuroscience Center, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Xin Yu
- Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02114, United States
| | - Wei Qian
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States
| | - Chunqi Qian
- Department of Radiology and Cognitive Imaging Research Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States
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10
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Yao D, Chen Y, Chen G. The role of pain modulation pathway and related brain regions in pain. Rev Neurosci 2023; 34:899-914. [PMID: 37288945 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2023-0037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Pain is a multifaceted process that encompasses unpleasant sensory and emotional experiences. The essence of the pain process is aversion, or perceived negative emotion. Central sensitization plays a significant role in initiating and perpetuating of chronic pain. Melzack proposed the concept of the "pain matrix", in which brain regions associated with pain form an interconnected network, rather than being controlled by a singular brain region. This review aims to investigate distinct brain regions involved in pain and their interconnections. In addition, it also sheds light on the reciprocal connectivity between the ascending and descending pathways that participate in pain modulation. We review the involvement of various brain areas during pain and focus on understanding the connections among them, which can contribute to a better understanding of pain mechanisms and provide opportunities for further research on therapies for improved pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Yao
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Yeru Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
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11
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Ma W, Li L, Kong L, Zhang H, Yuan P, Huang Z, Wang Y. Whole-brain monosynaptic inputs to lateral periaqueductal gray glutamatergic neurons in mice. CNS Neurosci Ther 2023; 29:4147-4159. [PMID: 37424163 PMCID: PMC10651995 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The lateral periaqueductal gray (LPAG), which mainly contains glutamatergic neurons, plays an important role in social responses, pain, and offensive and defensive behaviors. Currently, the whole-brain monosynaptic inputs to LPAG glutamatergic neurons are unknown. This study aims to explore the structural framework of the underlying neural mechanisms of LPAG glutamatergic neurons. METHODS This study used retrograde tracing systems based on the rabies virus, Cre-LoxP technology, and immunofluorescence analysis. RESULTS We found that 59 nuclei projected monosynaptic inputs to the LPAG glutamatergic neurons. In addition, seven hypothalamic nuclei, namely the lateral hypothalamic area (LH), lateral preoptic area (LPO), substantia innominata (SI), medial preoptic area, ventral pallidum, posterior hypothalamic area, and lateral globus pallidus, projected most densely to the LPAG glutamatergic neurons. Notably, we discovered through further immunofluorescence analysis that the inputs to the LPAG glutamatergic neurons were colocalized with several markers related to important neurological functions associated with physiological behaviors. CONCLUSION The LPAG glutamatergic neurons received dense projections from the hypothalamus, especially nuclei such as LH, LPO, and SI. The input neurons were colocalized with several markers of physiological behaviors, which show the pivotal role of glutamatergic neurons in the physiological behaviors regulation by LPAG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei‐Xiang Ma
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and Institutes of Brain ScienceFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and Institutes of Brain ScienceFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Ling‐Xi Kong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and Institutes of Brain ScienceFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Hui Zhang
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center for Polysaccharide Drugs, Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Screening and Re‐evaluation of Active Compounds of Herbal Medicines in Southern Anhui, School of PharmacyWannan Medical CollegeWuhuChina
| | - Ping‐Chuan Yuan
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center for Polysaccharide Drugs, Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Screening and Re‐evaluation of Active Compounds of Herbal Medicines in Southern Anhui, School of PharmacyWannan Medical CollegeWuhuChina
| | - Zhi‐Li Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and Institutes of Brain ScienceFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yi‐Qun Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and Institutes of Brain ScienceFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
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12
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Kim S, Moon HS, Vo TT, Kim CH, Im GH, Lee S, Choi M, Kim SG. Whole-brain mapping of effective connectivity by fMRI with cortex-wide patterned optogenetics. Neuron 2023; 111:1732-1747.e6. [PMID: 37001524 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) with optogenetic neural manipulation is a powerful tool that enables brain-wide mapping of effective functional networks. To achieve flexible manipulation of neural excitation throughout the mouse cortex, we incorporated spatiotemporal programmable optogenetic stimuli generated by a digital micromirror device into an MRI scanner via an optical fiber bundle. This approach offered versatility in space and time in planning the photostimulation pattern, combined with in situ optical imaging and cell-type-specific or circuit-specific genetic targeting in individual mice. Brain-wide effective connectivity obtained by fMRI with optogenetic stimulation of atlas-based cortical regions is generally congruent with anatomically defined axonal tracing data but is affected by the types of anesthetics that act selectively on specific connections. fMRI combined with flexible optogenetics opens a new path to investigate dynamic changes in functional brain states in the same animal through high-throughput brain-wide effective connectivity mapping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seonghoon Kim
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science, Suwon, Republic of Korea; School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Seok Moon
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science, Suwon, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea; Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Thanh Tan Vo
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science, Suwon, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea; Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Ho Kim
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Geun Ho Im
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungho Lee
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Myunghwan Choi
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science, Suwon, Republic of Korea; School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Seong-Gi Kim
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science, Suwon, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea; Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea.
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13
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Jesús Trujillo M, Ilarraz C, Kasanetz F. Plasticity of cortico-striatal neurons of the caudal anterior cingulate cortex during experimental neuropathic pain. Neuroscience 2023:S0306-4522(23)00230-0. [PMID: 37236391 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Maladaptive neuronal plasticity is a main mechanism for the development and maintenance of pathological pain. Affective, motivational and cognitive deficits that are comorbid with pain involve cellular and synaptic modifications in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), a major brain mediator of pain perception. Here we use a model of neuropathic pain (NP) in male mice and ex-vivo electrophysiology to investigate whether layer 5 caudal ACC (cACC) neurons projecting to the dorsomedial striatum (DMS), a critical region for motivational regulation of behavior, are involved in aberrant neuronal plasticity. We found that while the intrinsic excitability of cortico-striatal cACC neurons (cACC-CS) was preserved in NP animals, excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSP) induced after stimulation of distal inputs were enlarged. The highest synaptic responses were evident both after single stimuli and in each of the EPSP that compose responses to trains of stimuli, and were accompanied by increased synaptically-driven action potentials. EPSP temporal summation was intact in ACC-CS neurons from NP mice, suggesting that the plastic changes were not due to alterations in dendritic integration but rather through synaptic mechanisms. These results demonstrate for the first time that NP affects cACC neurons that project to the DMS and reinforce the notion that maladaptive plasticity of the cortico-striatal pathway may be a key factor in sustaining pathological pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Jesús Trujillo
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Departamento de Ciencias Fisiológicas, Grupo de Neurociencia de Sistemas, Buenos Aires, Argentina; CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay (IFIBIO Houssay), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Constanza Ilarraz
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Departamento de Ciencias Fisiológicas, Grupo de Neurociencia de Sistemas, Buenos Aires, Argentina; CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay (IFIBIO Houssay), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fernando Kasanetz
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Departamento de Ciencias Fisiológicas, Grupo de Neurociencia de Sistemas, Buenos Aires, Argentina; CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay (IFIBIO Houssay), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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14
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Legon W, Strohman A, In A, Stebbins K, Payne B. Non-invasive neuromodulation of sub-regions of the human insula differentially affect pain processing and heart-rate variability. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.05.539593. [PMID: 37205396 PMCID: PMC10187309 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.05.539593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The insula is a portion of the cerebral cortex folded deep within the lateral sulcus covered by the overlying opercula of the inferior frontal lobe and superior portion of the temporal lobe. The insula has been parsed into sub-regions based upon cytoarchitectonics and structural and functional connectivity with multiple lines of evidence supporting specific roles for each of these sub-regions in pain processing and interoception. In the past, causal interrogation of the insula was only possible in patients with surgically implanted electrodes. Here, we leverage the high spatial resolution combined with the deep penetration depth of low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) to non-surgically modulate either the anterior insula (AI) or posterior insula (PI) in humans for effect on subjective pain ratings, electroencephalographic (EEG) contact head evoked potentials (CHEPs) and time-frequency power as well as autonomic measures including heart-rate variability (HRV) and electrodermal response (EDR). N = 23 healthy volunteers received brief noxious heat pain stimuli to the dorsum of their right hand during continuous heart-rate, EDR and EEG recording. LIFU was delivered to either the AI (anterior short gyrus), PI (posterior longus gyrus) or under an inert sham condition time-locked to the heat stimulus. Results demonstrate that single-element 500 kHz LIFU is capable of individually targeting specific gyri of the insula. LIFU to both AI and PI similarly reduced perceived pain ratings but had differential effects on EEG activity. LIFU to PI affected earlier EEG amplitudes around 300 milliseconds whereas LIFU to AI affected EEG amplitudes around 500 milliseconds. In addition, only LIFU to the AI affected HRV as indexed by an increase in standard deviation of N-N intervals (SDNN) and mean HRV low frequency power. There was no effect of LIFU to either AI or PI on EDR or blood pressure. Taken together, LIFU looks to be an effective method to individually target sub-regions of the insula in humans for site-specific effects on brain biomarkers of pain processing and autonomic reactivity that translates to reduced perceived pain to a transient heat stimulus. These data have implications for the treatment of chronic pain and several neuropsychological diseases like anxiety, depression and addiction that all demonstrate abnormal activity in the insula concomitant with dysregulated autonomic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wynn Legon
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA, 24016, USA
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
- Center for Human Neuroscience Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA, 24016, USA
- Center for Health Behaviors Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA, 24016, USA
| | - Andrew Strohman
- Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, 24016, USA
- Graduate Program in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Roanoke, VA, 24016, USA
| | - Alexander In
- Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, 24016, USA
| | - Katelyn Stebbins
- Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, 24016, USA
- Graduate Program in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Roanoke, VA, 24016, USA
| | - Brighton Payne
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA, 24016, USA
- Center for Health Behaviors Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA, 24016, USA
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15
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Cao P, Zhang M, Ni Z, Song XJ, Yang CL, Mao Y, Zhou W, Dong WY, Peng X, Zheng C, Zhang Z, Jin Y, Tao W. Green light induces antinociception via visual-somatosensory circuits. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112290. [PMID: 36947545 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Light has been shown to relieve pain, but the underlying neural mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we show that low-intensity (200 lux) green light treatment exerts antinociceptive effects through a neural circuit from the visual cortex projecting to the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in mice. Specifically, viral tracing, in vivo two-photon calcium imaging, and fiber photometry recordings show that green light activated glutamatergic projections from the medial part of the secondary visual cortex (V2MGlu) to GABAergic neurons in the ACC, which drives inhibition of local glutamatergic neurons (V2MGlu→ACCGABA→Glu). Optogenetic or chemogenetic activation of the V2MGlu→ACCGABA→Glu circuit mimics green-light-induced antinociception in both neuropathic and inflammatory pain model mice. Artificial inhibition of ACC-projecting V2MGlu neurons abolishes the antinociception induced by green light. Taken together, our study shows the V2M-ACC circuit as a potential candidate mediating green-light-induced antinociceptive effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Cao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China; Department of Biophysics and Neurobiology, Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease of Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Mingjun Zhang
- Department of Biophysics and Neurobiology, Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease of Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Ziyun Ni
- Department of Biophysics and Neurobiology, Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease of Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Xiang-Jie Song
- Department of Biophysics and Neurobiology, Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease of Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Chen-Ling Yang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yu Mao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China; Department of Anesthesiology and Department of Pain Management, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, PR China
| | - Wenjie Zhou
- Department of Biophysics and Neurobiology, Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease of Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Wan-Ying Dong
- Department of Biophysics and Neurobiology, Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease of Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Xiaoqi Peng
- Department of Biophysics and Neurobiology, Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease of Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Changjian Zheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241002, China
| | - Zhi Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China; Department of Biophysics and Neurobiology, Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease of Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China.
| | - Yan Jin
- Department of Biophysics and Neurobiology, Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease of Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China; Stroke Center and Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230036, China.
| | - Wenjuan Tao
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; College & Hospital of Stomatology, Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
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16
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Savallampi M, Maallo AMS, Shaikh S, McGlone F, Bariguian-Revel FJ, Olausson H, Boehme R. Social Touch Reduces Pain Perception—An fMRI Study of Cortical Mechanisms. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13030393. [PMID: 36979203 PMCID: PMC10046093 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13030393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Unmyelinated low-threshold mechanoreceptors (C-tactile, CT) in the human skin are important for signaling information about hedonic aspects of touch. We have previously reported that CT-targeted brush stroking by means of a robot reduces experimental mechanical pain. To improve the ecological validity of the stimulation, we developed standardized human–human touch gestures for signaling attention and calming. The attention gesture is characterized by tapping of the skin and is perceived as neither pleasant nor unpleasant, i.e., neutral. The calming gesture is characterized by slow stroking of the skin and is perceived as moderately to very pleasant. Furthermore, the attention (tapping) gesture is ineffective, whereas the calming (stroking) gesture is effective in activating CT-afferents. We conducted an fMRI study (n = 32) and capitalized on the previous development of touch gestures. We also developed an MR compatible stimulator for high-precision mechanical pain stimulation of the thenar region of the hand. Skin-to-skin touching (stroking or tapping) was applied and was followed by low and high pain. When the stroking gesture preceded pain, the pain was rated as less intense. When the tapping gesture preceded the pain, the pain was rated as more intense. Individual pain perception related to insula activation, but the activation was not higher for stroking than for tapping in any brain area during the stimulation period. However, during the evaluation period, stronger activation in the periaqueductal gray matter was observed after calming touch compared to after tapping touch. This finding invites speculation that human–human gentle skin stroking, effective in activating CT-afferents, reduced pain through neural processes involving CT-afferents and the descending pain pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattias Savallampi
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, 58185 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Anne M. S. Maallo
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, 58185 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Sumaiya Shaikh
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, 58185 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Francis McGlone
- Research Centre Brain & Behavior, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 5UZ, UK
| | | | - Håkan Olausson
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, 58185 Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Linköping University Hospital, 58185 Linköping, Sweden
- Center for Medical Imaging and Visualization, Linköping University, 58185 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Rebecca Boehme
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, 58185 Linköping, Sweden
- Center for Medical Imaging and Visualization, Linköping University, 58185 Linköping, Sweden
- Correspondence:
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Alam MJ, Chen JDZ. Electrophysiology as a Tool to Decipher the Network Mechanism of Visceral Pain in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:627. [PMID: 36832115 PMCID: PMC9955347 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13040627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Abdominal pain, including visceral pain, is prevalent in functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders (FGIDs), affecting the overall quality of a patient's life. Neural circuits in the brain encode, store, and transfer pain information across brain regions. Ascending pain signals actively shape brain dynamics; in turn, the descending system responds to the pain through neuronal inhibition. Pain processing mechanisms in patients are currently mainly studied with neuroimaging techniques; however, these techniques have a relatively poor temporal resolution. A high temporal resolution method is warranted to decode the dynamics of the pain processing mechanisms. Here, we reviewed crucial brain regions that exhibited pain-modulatory effects in an ascending and descending manner. Moreover, we discussed a uniquely well-suited method, namely extracellular electrophysiology, that captures natural language from the brain with high spatiotemporal resolution. This approach allows parallel recording of large populations of neurons in interconnected brain areas and permits the monitoring of neuronal firing patterns and comparative characterization of the brain oscillations. In addition, we discussed the contribution of these oscillations to pain states. In summary, using innovative, state-of-the-art methods, the large-scale recordings of multiple neurons will guide us to better understanding of pain mechanisms in FGIDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Jahangir Alam
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jiande D. Z. Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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18
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Shim HJ, Im GH, Jung WB, Moon HS, Dinh TNA, Lee JY, Kim SG. Protocol for mouse optogenetic fMRI at ultrahigh magnetic fields. STAR Protoc 2022; 3:101846. [PMID: 36595930 PMCID: PMC9768354 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2022.101846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mouse optogenetic functional magnetic resonance imaging (opto-fMRI) is critical for linking genes and functions and for mapping cell-type-specific neural circuits in the whole brain. Herein, we describe how opto-fMRI images can be reliably obtained in anesthetized mice with minimal distortions at ultrahigh magnetic fields. The protocol includes surgical and anesthesia procedures, animal cradle modification, animal preparation and setup, animal physiology maintenance, and pilot fMRI scanning. This protocol will enable reproducible mouse opto-fMRI experiments. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Jung et al. (2021),1 Jung et al. (2022),2 and Moon et al. (2021).3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Ji Shim
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research (CNIR), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea,Corresponding author
| | - Geun Ho Im
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research (CNIR), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Beom Jung
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research (CNIR), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Seok Moon
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research (CNIR), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Thi Ngoc Anh Dinh
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research (CNIR), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Yun Lee
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research (CNIR), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Gi Kim
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research (CNIR), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea,Corresponding author
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19
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Lee JY, You T, Woo CW, Kim SG. Optogenetic fMRI for Brain-Wide Circuit Analysis of Sensory Processing. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012268. [PMID: 36293125 PMCID: PMC9602603 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensory processing is a complex neurological process that receives, integrates, and responds to information from one's own body and environment, which is closely related to survival as well as neurological disorders. Brain-wide networks of sensory processing are difficult to investigate due to their dynamic regulation by multiple brain circuits. Optogenetics, a neuromodulation technique that uses light-sensitive proteins, can be combined with functional magnetic resonance imaging (ofMRI) to measure whole-brain activity. Since ofMRI has increasingly been used for investigating brain circuits underlying sensory processing for over a decade, we systematically reviewed recent ofMRI studies of sensory circuits and discussed the challenges of optogenetic fMRI in rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong-Yun Lee
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research (CNIR), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon 16419, Korea
| | - Taeyi You
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research (CNIR), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon 16419, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea
- Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea
| | - Choong-Wan Woo
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research (CNIR), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon 16419, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea
- Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea
| | - Seong-Gi Kim
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research (CNIR), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon 16419, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea
- Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-31-299-4350; Fax: +82-31-299-4506
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