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Arnold CA, Bagg MK, Harvey AR. The psychophysiology of music-based interventions and the experience of pain. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1361857. [PMID: 38800683 PMCID: PMC11122921 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1361857] [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: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
In modern times there is increasing acceptance that music-based interventions are useful aids in the clinical treatment of a range of neurological and psychiatric conditions, including helping to reduce the perception of pain. Indeed, the belief that music, whether listening or performing, can alter human pain experiences has a long history, dating back to the ancient Greeks, and its potential healing properties have long been appreciated by indigenous cultures around the world. The subjective experience of acute or chronic pain is complex, influenced by many intersecting physiological and psychological factors, and it is therefore to be expected that the impact of music therapy on the pain experience may vary from one situation to another, and from one person to another. Where pain persists and becomes chronic, aberrant central processing is a key feature associated with the ongoing pain experience. Nonetheless, beneficial effects of exposure to music on pain relief have been reported across a wide range of acute and chronic conditions, and it has been shown to be effective in neonates, children and adults. In this comprehensive review we examine the various neurochemical, physiological and psychological factors that underpin the impact of music on the pain experience, factors that potentially operate at many levels - the periphery, spinal cord, brainstem, limbic system and multiple areas of cerebral cortex. We discuss the extent to which these factors, individually or in combination, influence how music affects both the quality and intensity of pain, noting that there remains controversy about the respective roles that diverse central and peripheral processes play in this experience. Better understanding of the mechanisms that underlie music's impact on pain perception together with insights into central processing of pain should aid in developing more effective synergistic approaches when music therapy is combined with clinical treatments. The ubiquitous nature of music also facilitates application from the therapeutic environment into daily life, for ongoing individual and social benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn A. Arnold
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Caulfield Pain Management and Research Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Matthew K. Bagg
- School of Health Sciences, University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, WA, Australia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, Australia
- Centre for Pain IMPACT, Neuroscience Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
| | - Alan R. Harvey
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, Australia
- School of Human Sciences and Conservatorium of Music, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
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2
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Lin C, Zhuo S, Zheng Q, Li X, Peng W. The relationship between oxytocin and empathy for others' pain: Testing the mediating effect of first-hand pain sensitivity. Physiol Behav 2023:114266. [PMID: 37301493 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2023.114266] [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: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Although previous studies have shown that oxytocin attenuates first-hand pain sensitivity, studies of its effects on empathic reactions to the observation of others' pain have yielded inconsistent and controversial results. Given the link between first-hand pain and empathy for others' pain, we hypothesized that oxytocin affects empathy for others' pain by modulating first-hand pain sensitivity. Using a double-blind, placebo-controlled, between-participant experimental design, healthy participants (n = 112) were randomly assigned to either an intranasal oxytocin or placebo group. Pain sensitivity was evaluated by pressure pain threshold, and empathic responses were assessed by ratings in response to viewing video clips depicting others in physically painful scenarios. Results showed that pressure pain thresholds decreased over time in both groups, indicating increased sensitivity to first-hand pain after repeated measurements. However, this decrease was smaller for participants who received intranasal oxytocin, indicative of oxytocin-induced attenuation of first-hand pain sensitivity. In addition, although empathic ratings were comparable between oxytocin and placebo groups, first-hand pain sensitivity fully mediated the impact of oxytocin on pain empathetic ratings. Thus, intranasal oxytocin can indirectly affect pain empathic ratings by reducing first-hand pain sensitivity. These findings expand our understanding of the relationship among oxytocin, pain, and empathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chennan Lin
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shiwei Zhuo
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qianqian Zheng
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaoyun Li
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Weiwei Peng
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China.
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3
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Oubraim S, Shen RY, Haj-Dahmane S. Oxytocin excites dorsal raphe serotonin neurons and bidirectionally gates their glutamate synapses. iScience 2023; 26:106707. [PMID: 37250336 PMCID: PMC10214716 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106707] [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: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OXT) modulates wide spectrum of social and emotional behaviors via modulation of numerous neurotransmitter systems, including serotonin (5-HT). However, how OXT controls the function of dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) 5-HT neurons remains unknown. Here, we reveal that OXT excites and alters the firing pattern of 5-HT neurons via activation of postsynaptic OXT receptors (OXTRs). In addition, OXT induces cell-type-specific depression and potentiation of DRN glutamate synapses by two retrograde lipid messengers, 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and arachidonic acid (AA), respectively. Neuronal mapping demonstrates that OXT preferentially potentiates glutamate synapses of 5-HT neurons projecting to medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and depresses glutamatergic inputs to 5-HT neurons projecting to lateral habenula (LHb) and central amygdala (CeA). Thus, by engaging distinct retrograde lipid messengers, OXT exerts a target-specific gating of glutamate synapses on the DRN. As such, our data uncovers the neuronal mechanisms by which OXT modulates the function of DRN 5-HT neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saida Oubraim
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University at Buffalo, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York, 1021 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Roh-Yu Shen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University at Buffalo, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York, 1021 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
- University at Buffalo Neuroscience Program, University at Buffalo, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York, 1021 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Samir Haj-Dahmane
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University at Buffalo, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York, 1021 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
- University at Buffalo Neuroscience Program, University at Buffalo, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York, 1021 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
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4
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Szewczyk AK, Ulutas S, Aktürk T, Al-Hassany L, Börner C, Cernigliaro F, Kodounis M, Lo Cascio S, Mikolajek D, Onan D, Ragaglini C, Ratti S, Rivera-Mancilla E, Tsanoula S, Villino R, Messlinger K, Maassen Van Den Brink A, de Vries T. Prolactin and oxytocin: potential targets for migraine treatment. J Headache Pain 2023; 24:31. [PMID: 36967387 PMCID: PMC10041814 DOI: 10.1186/s10194-023-01557-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Migraine is a severe neurovascular disorder of which the pathophysiology is not yet fully understood. Besides the role of inflammatory mediators that interact with the trigeminovascular system, cyclic fluctuations in sex steroid hormones are involved in the sex dimorphism of migraine attacks. In addition, the pituitary-derived hormone prolactin and the hypothalamic neuropeptide oxytocin have been reported to play a modulating role in migraine and contribute to its sex-dependent differences. The current narrative review explores the relationship between these two hormones and the pathophysiology of migraine. We describe the physiological role of prolactin and oxytocin, its relationship to migraine and pain, and potential therapies targeting these hormones or their receptors.In summary, oxytocin and prolactin are involved in nociception in opposite ways. Both operate at peripheral and central levels, however, prolactin has a pronociceptive effect, while oxytocin appears to have an antinociceptive effect. Therefore, migraine treatment targeting prolactin should aim to block its effects using prolactin receptor antagonists or monoclonal antibodies specifically acting at migraine-pain related structures. This action should be local in order to avoid a decrease in prolactin levels throughout the body and associated adverse effects. In contrast, treatment targeting oxytocin should enhance its signalling and antinociceptive effects, for example using intranasal administration of oxytocin, or possibly other oxytocin receptor agonists. Interestingly, the prolactin receptor and oxytocin receptor are co-localized with estrogen receptors as well as calcitonin gene-related peptide and its receptor, providing a positive perspective on the possibilities for an adequate pharmacological treatment of these nociceptive pathways. Nevertheless, many questions remain to be answered. More particularly, there is insufficient data on the role of sex hormones in men and the correct dosing according to sex differences, hormonal changes and comorbidities. The above remains a major challenge for future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna K Szewczyk
- Doctoral School, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Samiye Ulutas
- Department of Neurology, Kartal Dr. Lutfi Kirdar Research and Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Tülin Aktürk
- Department of Neurology, Kartal Dr. Lutfi Kirdar Research and Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Linda Al-Hassany
- Division of Vascular Medicine and Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Corinna Börner
- Department of Pediatrics - Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, LMU Hospital, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians Universität München, Lindwurmstr. 4, 80337, Munich, Germany
- LMU Center for Children with Medical Complexity - iSPZ Hauner, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Lindwurmstr. 4, 80337, Munich, Germany
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
- TUM-Neuroimaging Center, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Federica Cernigliaro
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit Department, Pro.M.I.S.E. "G D'Alessandro, University of Palermo, 90133, Palermo, Italy
| | - Michalis Kodounis
- First Department of Neurology, Eginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Salvatore Lo Cascio
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit Department, Pro.M.I.S.E. "G D'Alessandro, University of Palermo, 90133, Palermo, Italy
| | - David Mikolajek
- Department of Neurology, City Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Dilara Onan
- Spine Health Unit, Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Ragaglini
- Neuroscience Section, Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnology, University of L'Aquila, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Susanna Ratti
- Neuroscience Section, Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnology, University of L'Aquila, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Eduardo Rivera-Mancilla
- Division of Vascular Medicine and Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sofia Tsanoula
- Department of Neurology, 401 Military Hospital of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Rafael Villino
- Department of Neurology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Karl Messlinger
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Antoinette Maassen Van Den Brink
- Division of Vascular Medicine and Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tessa de Vries
- Division of Vascular Medicine and Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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5
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Iwasaki M, Lefevre A, Althammer F, Clauss Creusot E, Łąpieś O, Petitjean H, Hilfiger L, Kerspern D, Melchior M, Küppers S, Krabichler Q, Patwell R, Kania A, Gruber T, Kirchner MK, Wimmer M, Fröhlich H, Dötsch L, Schimmer J, Herpertz SC, Ditzen B, Schaaf CP, Schönig K, Bartsch D, Gugula A, Trenk A, Blasiak A, Stern JE, Darbon P, Grinevich V, Charlet A. An analgesic pathway from parvocellular oxytocin neurons to the periaqueductal gray in rats. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1066. [PMID: 36828816 PMCID: PMC9958129 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36641-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamic neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) exerts prominent analgesic effects via central and peripheral action. However, the precise analgesic pathways recruited by OT are largely elusive. Here we discovered a subset of OT neurons whose projections preferentially terminate on OT receptor (OTR)-expressing neurons in the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG). Using a newly generated line of transgenic rats (OTR-IRES-Cre), we determined that most of the vlPAG OTR expressing cells targeted by OT projections are GABAergic. Ex vivo stimulation of parvocellular OT axons in the vlPAG induced local OT release, as measured with OT sensor GRAB. In vivo, optogenetically-evoked axonal OT release in the vlPAG of as well as chemogenetic activation of OTR vlPAG neurons resulted in a long-lasting increase of vlPAG neuronal activity. This lead to an indirect suppression of sensory neuron activity in the spinal cord and strong analgesia in both female and male rats. Altogether, we describe an OT-vlPAG-spinal cord circuit that is critical for analgesia in both inflammatory and neuropathic pain models.
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Grants
- R01 HL090948 NHLBI NIH HHS
- R01 NS094640 NINDS NIH HHS
- This work was supported by the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique contract UPR3212, the Université de Strasbourg contract UPR3212; the University of Strasbourg Institute for Advanced Study (USIAS) fellowship 2014-15, Fyssen Foundation research grant 2015, NARSAD Young Investigator Grant 24821, Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR, French Research Foundation) grants n° 19-CE16-0011-0 and n° 20-CE18-0031 (to AC); the Graduate School of Pain EURIDOL, ANR-17-EURE-0022 (to AC and ECC); ANR-DFG grant GR 3619/701, PHC PROCOPE and PICS07882 grants (to AC and VG); Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) grants GR 3619/15-1, GR 3619/16-1(to VG); SFB Consortium 1158-2 (to VG, SH and BD); French Japanese governments fellowship B-16012 JM/NH and Subsidy from Nukada Institute for Medical and Biological Research (to MI); Fyssen Foundation fellowship (to AL); Région Grand Est fellowship (to DK); DFG Postdoc Fellowship AL 2466/1-1 (to FA); the Foundation of Prader-Willi Research post-doctoral fellowship (to CPS and FA); DAAD Postdoc Short term research grant 57552337 (to RP); DFG Walter Benjamin Position – Projektnummer 459051339 (to QK). National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Grant NIH HL090948, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Grant NIH NS094640, and funding provided by the Center for Neuroinflammation and Cardiometabolic Diseases (CNCD) at Georgia State University (to JES). The authors thank Prof. Yulong Li for providing the GRABOTR plasmid, Drs. Romain Goutagny and Vincent Douchamps for in vivo electrophysiology advices, the Chronobiotron UMS 3415 for all animal care and the technical plateau ComptOpt UPR 3212 for behavior technical assistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai Iwasaki
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and University of Strasbourg, Institute of Cellular and Integrative Neuroscience, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Arthur Lefevre
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and University of Strasbourg, Institute of Cellular and Integrative Neuroscience, 67000, Strasbourg, France
- Department of Neuropeptide Research in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, 68159, Germany
- Cortical Systems and Behavior Laboratory, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Ferdinand Althammer
- Department of Neuropeptide Research in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, 68159, Germany
- Center for Neuroinflammation and Cardiometabolic Diseases, Georgia State University, Atlanta, USA
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Etienne Clauss Creusot
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and University of Strasbourg, Institute of Cellular and Integrative Neuroscience, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Olga Łąpieś
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and University of Strasbourg, Institute of Cellular and Integrative Neuroscience, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Hugues Petitjean
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and University of Strasbourg, Institute of Cellular and Integrative Neuroscience, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Louis Hilfiger
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and University of Strasbourg, Institute of Cellular and Integrative Neuroscience, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Damien Kerspern
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and University of Strasbourg, Institute of Cellular and Integrative Neuroscience, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Meggane Melchior
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and University of Strasbourg, Institute of Cellular and Integrative Neuroscience, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Stephanie Küppers
- Department of Neuropeptide Research in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, 68159, Germany
| | - Quirin Krabichler
- Department of Neuropeptide Research in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, 68159, Germany
| | - Ryan Patwell
- Department of Neuropeptide Research in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, 68159, Germany
| | - Alan Kania
- Department of Neuropeptide Research in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, 68159, Germany
| | - Tim Gruber
- Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Matthew K Kirchner
- Center for Neuroinflammation and Cardiometabolic Diseases, Georgia State University, Atlanta, USA
| | - Moritz Wimmer
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Henning Fröhlich
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Laura Dötsch
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jonas Schimmer
- Department of Neuropeptide Research in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, 68159, Germany
| | - Sabine C Herpertz
- Department of General Psychiatry, Center of Psychosocial Medicine, University of Heidelberg, 69115, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Beate Ditzen
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69115, Heidelberg, Germany
- Ruprecht-Karls University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christian P Schaaf
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Ruprecht-Karls University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kai Schönig
- Department of Molecular Biology, Central Institute of Mental Health, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, 68159, Germany
| | - Dusan Bartsch
- Department of Molecular Biology, Central Institute of Mental Health, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, 68159, Germany
| | - Anna Gugula
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, 30-387, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Trenk
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, 30-387, Poland
| | - Anna Blasiak
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, 30-387, Poland
| | - Javier E Stern
- Center for Neuroinflammation and Cardiometabolic Diseases, Georgia State University, Atlanta, USA
| | - Pascal Darbon
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and University of Strasbourg, Institute of Cellular and Integrative Neuroscience, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Valery Grinevich
- Department of Neuropeptide Research in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, 68159, Germany.
- Center for Neuroinflammation and Cardiometabolic Diseases, Georgia State University, Atlanta, USA.
| | - Alexandre Charlet
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and University of Strasbourg, Institute of Cellular and Integrative Neuroscience, 67000, Strasbourg, France.
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6
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Lopes S, Osório FDL. Effects of intranasal oxytocin on pain perception among human subjects: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Horm Behav 2023; 147:105282. [PMID: 36463692 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2022.105282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Oxytocin (OXT) is a peptide hormone produced in the hypothalamus that plays a neuromodulatory role in emotion, stress, and anxiety. Due to its multidimensional role, OXT is a promising target for therapeutic interventions to treat pain. OBJECTIVE Perform a systematic literature review, followed by a meta-analysis to identify the effects of intranasal OXT on the self-perception of clinical and experimental pain among human subjects. METHOD A systematic review was conducted in the PubMed, PsycINFO, Scielo, Lilacs, and Web of Science databases, using the keywords Oxytocin, Pain, Analgesia, and Nociception. RESULTS Fifteen papers were included in the meta-analysis. None of the outcomes presented statistical significance in terms of the interventions' effect size: pain intensity (SMD = -0.02 (CI 95 %: -0.14 to 0.10; p = 0.76)) and pain unpleasantness (SMD = -0.15 (CI 95 %: -0.34 to 0.04; p = 0.12)). No meta-analysis was performed for pain threshold or tolerance because few papers address these outcomes. CONCLUSION There was no statistically significant effect of intranasal OXT administration on pain perception, considering equivalence limits between (-0.2 and 0.2). However, it must be considered that the study designs may not have been sensitive enough to detect minor analgesic effects of OXT, which, being weak, may also not be perceived at a conscious level. Additionally, OXT effects possibly depend on specific characteristics of the painful condition, such as pain complexity, intensity, and duration, contextual variables like the presence of social and affective support, and individual characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Lopes
- Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Flávia de Lima Osório
- Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Brazil; National Institute for Science and Technology (INCT-TM, CNPq), Brazil.
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7
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Nishimura H, Yoshimura M, Shimizu M, Sanada K, Sonoda S, Nishimura K, Baba K, Ikeda N, Motojima Y, Maruyama T, Nonaka Y, Baba R, Onaka T, Horishita T, Morimoto H, Yoshida Y, Kawasaki M, Sakai A, Muratani M, Conway-Campbell B, Lightman S, Ueta Y. Endogenous oxytocin exerts anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects in rats. Commun Biol 2022; 5:907. [PMID: 36064593 PMCID: PMC9445084 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03879-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin is involved in pain transmission, although the detailed mechanism is not fully understood. Here, we generate a transgenic rat line that expresses human muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (hM3Dq) and mCherry in oxytocin neurons. We report that clozapine-N-oxide (CNO) treatment of our oxytocin-hM3Dq-mCherry rats exclusively activates oxytocin neurons within the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei, leading to activation of neurons in the locus coeruleus (LC) and dorsal raphe nucleus (DR), and differential gene expression in GABA-ergic neurons in the L5 spinal dorsal horn. Hyperalgesia, which is robustly exacerbated in experimental pain models, is significantly attenuated after CNO injection. The analgesic effects of CNO are ablated by co-treatment with oxytocin receptor antagonist. Endogenous oxytocin also exerts anti-inflammatory effects via activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. Moreover, inhibition of mast cell degranulation is found to be involved in the response. Taken together, our results suggest that oxytocin may exert anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects via both neuronal and humoral pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruki Nishimura
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Yoshimura
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan. .,Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
| | - Makiko Shimizu
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Kenya Sanada
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Satomi Sonoda
- The First Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Nishimura
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Baba
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Naofumi Ikeda
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Yasuhito Motojima
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Takashi Maruyama
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Yuki Nonaka
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Ryoko Baba
- Department of Anatomy (II), School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Tatsushi Onaka
- Division of Brain and Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Takafumi Horishita
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Morimoto
- Department of Anatomy (II), School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Yoshida
- Department of Immunology and Parasitology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Makoto Kawasaki
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Akinori Sakai
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Masafumi Muratani
- Genome Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Becky Conway-Campbell
- Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Stafford Lightman
- Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Yoichi Ueta
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan.
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8
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Gračanin A, Hendriks MCP, Vingerhoets AJJM. Crying does not alleviate acute pain perception: Evidence from an experimental study. Eur J Pain 2022; 26:1380-1394. [PMID: 35514233 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.1970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whereas previous studies revealed positive effects of emotional expressions such as swearing and laughing on acute pain, systematic research on the effects of crying on pain is missing. The rationale for the current study is that either a mere emotional distraction or changes in oxytocin and opioid levels represent a mechanism through which crying modulates pain, with the timing of mood changes as crucial information for distinguishing between potential mechanisms. METHODS In two studies, we exposed participants (Study 1: n = 57; Study 2: n = 70) to a sad movie and measured their mood, and exposed them to pain induction procedures (electric shock and cold-pressor test, respectively) before and after the film. Dependent variables were pain threshold, tolerance, and intensity. In addition to baseline and one immediate post-crying mood and pain response measurement in both studies, in Study 2, we repeated these procedures 20 and 50 min later to discern between the potential role of neurobiological substances and distraction. RESULTS Crying was elicited in 28 participants in Study 1 (49.1%) and 49 (70%) in Study 2. We found no systematic differences in pain and mood changes between criers and non-criers and no systematic dose-response relationship between crying and pain responses and mood. The only significant effects ran contrary to our hypotheses, showing detrimental effects of the occurrence (Study 1) and frequency of crying (both studies) on pain threshold. CONCLUSIONS Results do not support the idea that crying has pain-alleviating effects, either via distraction or direct biological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ad J J M Vingerhoets
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, the Netherlands
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9
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Ba X, Ran C, Guo W, Guo J, Zeng Q, Liu T, Sun W, Xiao L, Xiong D, Huang Y, Jiang C, Hao Y. Three-Day Continuous Oxytocin Infusion Attenuates Thermal and Mechanical Nociception by Rescuing Neuronal Chloride Homeostasis via Upregulation KCC2 Expression and Function. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:845018. [PMID: 35401174 PMCID: PMC8988046 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.845018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) and its receptor are promising targets for the treatment and prevention of the neuropathic pain. In the present study, we compared the effects of a single and continuous intrathecal infusion of OT on nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain behaviours in mice and further explore the mechanisms underlying their analgesic properties. We found that three days of continuous intrathecal OT infusion alleviated subsequent pain behaviours for 14 days, whereas a single OT injection induced a transient analgesia for 30 min, suggesting that only continuous intrathecal OT attenuated the establishment and development of neuropathic pain behaviours. Supporting this behavioural finding, continuous intrathecal infusion, but not short-term incubation of OT, reversed the nerve injury-induced depolarizing shift in Cl- reversal potential via restoring the function and expression of spinal K+-Cl- cotransporter 2 (KCC2), which may be caused by OT-induced enhancement of GABA inhibitory transmission. This result suggests that only continuous use of OT may reverse the pathological changes caused by nerve injury, thereby mechanistically blocking the establishment and development of pain. These findings provide novel evidence relevant for advancing understanding of the effects of continuous OT administration on the pathophysiology of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiyuan Ba
- Department of Pain Medicine and Shenzhen Municipal Key Laboratory for Pain Medicine, Shenzhen Nanshan People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chenqiu Ran
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wenjun Guo
- Department of Pain Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jing Guo
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shenzhen University General Hospital and Shenzhen University Academy of Clinical Medical Sciences, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qian Zeng
- Department of Pain Medicine and Shenzhen Municipal Key Laboratory for Pain Medicine, Shenzhen Nanshan People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Wuping Sun
- Department of Pain Medicine and Shenzhen Municipal Key Laboratory for Pain Medicine, Shenzhen Nanshan People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lizu Xiao
- Department of Pain Medicine and Shenzhen Municipal Key Laboratory for Pain Medicine, Shenzhen Nanshan People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Donglin Xiong
- Department of Pain Medicine and Shenzhen Municipal Key Laboratory for Pain Medicine, Shenzhen Nanshan People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yelan Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Changyu Jiang
- Department of Pain Medicine and Shenzhen Municipal Key Laboratory for Pain Medicine, Shenzhen Nanshan People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yue Hao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
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10
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Wang Y, Pan Q, Tian R, Wen Q, Qin G, Zhang D, Chen L, Zhang Y, Zhou J. Repeated oxytocin prevents central sensitization by regulating synaptic plasticity via oxytocin receptor in a chronic migraine mouse model. J Headache Pain 2021; 22:84. [PMID: 34315403 PMCID: PMC8314458 DOI: 10.1186/s10194-021-01299-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Central sensitization is one of the characters of chronic migraine (CM). Aberrant synaptic plasticity can induce central sensitization. Oxytocin (OT), which is a hypothalamic hormone, plays an important antinociceptive role. However, the antinociceptive effect of OT and the underlying mechanism in CM remains unclear. Therefore, we explored the effect of OT on central sensitization in CM and its implying mechanism, focusing on synaptic plasticity. METHODS A CM mouse model was established by repeated intraperitoneal injection of nitroglycerin (NTG). Von Frey filaments and radiant heat were used to measure the nociceptive threshold. Repeated intranasal OT and intraperitoneal L368,899, an oxytocin receptor (OTR) antagonist, were administered to investigate the effect of OT and the role of OTR. The expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and c-fos were measured to assess central sensitization. N-methyl D-aspartate receptor subtype 2B (NR2B)-regulated synaptic-associated proteins and synaptic plasticity were explored by western blot (WB), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and Golgi-Cox staining. RESULTS Our results showed that the OTR expression in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis (TNC) of CM mouse was significantly increased, and OTR was colocalized with the postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95) in neurons. Repeated intranasal OT alleviated the NTG-induced hyperalgesia and prevented central sensitization in CM mouse. Additionally, the OT treatment inhibited the overexpression of phosphorylated NR2B and synaptic-associated proteins including PSD-95, synaptophysin-1 (syt-1), and synaptosomal-associated protein 25 (snap25) in the TNC of CM mouse and restored the abnormal synaptic structure. The protective effect of OT was prevented by L368,899. Furthermore, the expression of adenylyl cyclase 1 (AC1)/ protein kinase A (PKA)/ phosphorylation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein (pCREB) pathway was depressed by OT and restored by L368,899. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that repeated intranasal OT eliminates central sensitization by regulating synaptic plasticity via OTR in CM. The effect of OT has closely associated with the down-regulation of AC1/PKA/pCREB signaling pathway, which is activated in CM model. Repeated intranasal OT may be a potential candidate for CM prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunfeng Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1st You Yi Road, Yuzhong District, 400016, Chongqing, China.,Department of Neurology, Nanchong Central Hospital, Nanchong, China
| | - Qi Pan
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1st You Yi Road, Yuzhong District, 400016, Chongqing, China
| | - Ruimin Tian
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1st You Yi Road, Yuzhong District, 400016, Chongqing, China
| | - Qianwen Wen
- Laboratory Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guangcheng Qin
- Laboratory Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dunke Zhang
- Laboratory Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lixue Chen
- Laboratory Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yixin Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1st You Yi Road, Yuzhong District, 400016, Chongqing, China.
| | - Jiying Zhou
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1st You Yi Road, Yuzhong District, 400016, Chongqing, China.
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11
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Pfeifer AC, Schroeder-Pfeifer P, Schneider E, Schick M, Heinrichs M, Bodenmann G, Ehlert U, Herpertz SC, Läuchli S, Eckstein M, Ditzen B. Oxytocin and positive couple interaction affect the perception of wound pain in everyday life. Mol Pain 2021; 16:1744806920918692. [PMID: 32308117 PMCID: PMC7171986 DOI: 10.1177/1744806920918692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A large body of animal and human laboratory research has linked social interaction and support to pain perception, with a possible role for the neuropeptide oxytocin as a neuroendocrine mediator. However so far, it has been unclear whether these effects translate to ecologically valid everyday life behavior and pain perception. In a randomized placebo-controlled study, a standard suction blister skin wound was induced to N = 80 romantic couples (N = 160 individuals). Couples then received intranasal oxytocin or placebo twice daily and were either instructed to perform a positive social interaction (partner appraisal task, PAT) once in the laboratory and two times during the following five days, or not. During these days, all participants reported their subjective pain levels multiple times a day using ecologically momentary assessment. Results from hierarchical linear modeling suggest that pain levels within the couples were inter-related. In men, but not in women, oxytocin reduced pain levels. Women reported lower pain levels in the group of positive social interaction, while this effect did not show in men. These results suggest that intranasal oxytocin might have sex-specific effects with pain reducing effects in men but the opposite effects in women. In contrast, especially women benefit from positive interaction in terms of dampened pain levels after positive interaction. The results add to the evidence for health-beneficial effects of positive couple interaction and point to underlying neuroendocrine mechanisms in everyday life pain specifically. The sex-specific effects, in particular, may have implications for psychopharmacological treatment of pain in men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Christin Pfeifer
- Department of Orthopedics, Trauma Surgery and Paraplegiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany.,Institute of Medical Psychology, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Paul Schroeder-Pfeifer
- Institute of Psychosocial Prevention, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ekaterina Schneider
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Maren Schick
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Markus Heinrichs
- Differential and Biological Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Freiburg University, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Guy Bodenmann
- Family Psychology, Institute of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ulrike Ehlert
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sabine C Herpertz
- Department of General Psychiatry, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Severin Läuchli
- Dermatological Clinic, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Monika Eckstein
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Beate Ditzen
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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12
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Oxytocin increases the pleasantness of affective touch and orbitofrontal cortex activity independent of valence. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2020; 39:99-110. [PMID: 32861545 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2020.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Touch plays a crucial role in affiliative behavior and social communication. The neuropeptide oxytocin is released in response to touch and may act to facilitate the rewarding effects of social touch. However, no studies to date have determined whether oxytocin facilitates behavioral or neural responses to non-socially administered affective touch and possible differential effects of touch valence. In a functional MRI experiment using a randomized placebo-controlled, within-subject design in 40 male subjects we investigated the effects of intranasal oxytocin (24IU) on behavioral and neural responses to positive, neutral and negative valence touch administered to the arm via different types of materials at a frequency aimed to optimally stimulate C-fibers. Results showed that oxytocin significantly increased both the perceived pleasantness of touch and activation of the orbitofrontal cortex independent of touch valence. The effects of OT on touch-evoked orbitofrontal activation were also positively associated with basal oxytocin concentrations in blood. Additionally, anterior insula activity and the functional connectivity between the amygdala and right anterior insula were enhanced only in response to negative valence touch. Overall, the present study provides the first evidence that oxytocin may facilitate the rewarding effects of all types of touch, irrespective of valence.
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13
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Xin F, Zhou X, Dong D, Zhao Z, Yang X, Wang Q, Gu Y, Kendrick KM, Chen A, Becker B. Oxytocin Differentially Modulates Amygdala Responses during Top-Down and Bottom-Up Aversive Anticipation. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2020; 7:2001077. [PMID: 32832361 PMCID: PMC7435249 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202001077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The ability to successfully regulate negative emotions such as fear and anxiety is vital for mental health. Intranasal administration of the neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) has been shown to reduce amygdala activity but to increase amygdala-prefrontal cortex connectivity during exposure to threatening stimuli suggesting that it may act as an important modulator of emotion regulation. The present randomized, between-subject, placebo-controlled pharmacological study combines the intranasal administration of OXT with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during an explicit emotion regulation paradigm in 65 healthy male participants to investigate the modulatory effects of OXT on both bottom-up and top-down emotion regulation. OXT attenuates the activation in the posterior insular cortex and amygdala during anticipation of top-down regulation of predictable threat stimuli in participants with high trait anxiety. In contrast, OXT enhances amygdala activity during the bottom-up anticipation of unpredictable threat stimuli in participants with low trait anxiety. OXT may facilitate top-down goal-directed attention by attenuating amygdala activity in high anxiety individuals, while promoting bottom-up attention/vigilance to unexpected threats by enhancing amygdala activity in low anxiety individuals. OXT may thus have the potential to promote an adaptive balance between bottom-up and top-down attention systems depending on an individual's trait anxiety level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Xin
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation University of Electronic Science and Technology of China Xiyuan Avenue 2006 Chengdu 611731 China
| | - Xinqi Zhou
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation University of Electronic Science and Technology of China Xiyuan Avenue 2006 Chengdu 611731 China
| | - Debo Dong
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation University of Electronic Science and Technology of China Xiyuan Avenue 2006 Chengdu 611731 China
| | - Zhongbo Zhao
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation University of Electronic Science and Technology of China Xiyuan Avenue 2006 Chengdu 611731 China
| | - Xi Yang
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation University of Electronic Science and Technology of China Xiyuan Avenue 2006 Chengdu 611731 China
| | - Qianqian Wang
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation University of Electronic Science and Technology of China Xiyuan Avenue 2006 Chengdu 611731 China
| | - Yan Gu
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality Ministry of Education, Faculty of Psychology Southwest University Tiansheng Road 2 Chongqing 400715 China
| | - Keith M Kendrick
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation University of Electronic Science and Technology of China Xiyuan Avenue 2006 Chengdu 611731 China
| | - Antao Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality Ministry of Education, Faculty of Psychology Southwest University Tiansheng Road 2 Chongqing 400715 China
| | - Benjamin Becker
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation University of Electronic Science and Technology of China Xiyuan Avenue 2006 Chengdu 611731 China
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14
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Kuner R, Kuner T. Cellular Circuits in the Brain and Their Modulation in Acute and Chronic Pain. Physiol Rev 2020; 101:213-258. [PMID: 32525759 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00040.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic, pathological pain remains a global health problem and a challenge to basic and clinical sciences. A major obstacle to preventing, treating, or reverting chronic pain has been that the nature of neural circuits underlying the diverse components of the complex, multidimensional experience of pain is not well understood. Moreover, chronic pain involves diverse maladaptive plasticity processes, which have not been decoded mechanistically in terms of involvement of specific circuits and cause-effect relationships. This review aims to discuss recent advances in our understanding of circuit connectivity in the mammalian brain at the level of regional contributions and specific cell types in acute and chronic pain. A major focus is placed on functional dissection of sub-neocortical brain circuits using optogenetics, chemogenetics, and imaging technological tools in rodent models with a view towards decoding sensory, affective, and motivational-cognitive dimensions of pain. The review summarizes recent breakthroughs and insights on structure-function properties in nociceptive circuits and higher order sub-neocortical modulatory circuits involved in aversion, learning, reward, and mood and their modulation by endogenous GABAergic inhibition, noradrenergic, cholinergic, dopaminergic, serotonergic, and peptidergic pathways. The knowledge of neural circuits and their dynamic regulation via functional and structural plasticity will be beneficial towards designing and improving targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohini Kuner
- Institute of Pharmacology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; and Department of Functional Neuroanatomy, Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Kuner
- Institute of Pharmacology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; and Department of Functional Neuroanatomy, Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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15
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Pain-modulating effects of oxytocin in patients with chronic low back pain. Neuropharmacology 2020; 171:108105. [PMID: 32298704 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2019] [Revised: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) has been shown to play a modulatory role in nociception. However, analgesic effects of OT in chronic pain conditions remain elusive and the neural underpinnings have not yet been investigated in humans. Here, we conducted an exploratory, randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over study to examine effects of intranasal OT in male patients suffering from chronic low back pain (CBP) versus healthy controls (HC). N = 22 participants with CBP and 22 HCs were scanned using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while they continuously rated either spontaneously occurring back pain or acute thermal pain stimuli applied to the lower back. During heat pain processing we found that OT versus PL attenuated pain intensity ratings and increased BOLD responses in the caudate nucleus of the striatum in CBP versus HCs. Spontaneously experienced pain in contrast to heat pain was associated with activation changes in the medial frontal cortex (MFC) and the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) as reported in previous studies. However, we did not observe OT effects on spontaneously experienced pain in CBP patients. Overall, our preliminary data may suggest that the striatum is a key structure underlying the pain-modulating effects of OT in patients with chronic pain and adds to the growing evidence linking the neuropeptide to pain modulation in humans. Further studies on neuronal OT effects in larger samples of chronic back pain patients are needed to understand probable mechanisms of OT effects in chronic pain. This article is part of the special issue on Neuropeptides.
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16
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Schneider I, Schmitgen MM, Boll S, Roth C, Nees F, Usai K, Herpertz SC, Wolf RC. Oxytocin modulates intrinsic neural activity in patients with chronic low back pain. Eur J Pain 2020; 24:945-955. [PMID: 32061140 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.1543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Modulation of pain perception by oxytocin (OXT) has attracted increased scientific and clinical interest. Neural mechanisms underlying these effects are poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of intranasally applied OXT on intrinsic neural activity in patients with chronic low back pain (cLBP). METHODS Twenty-four male patients with cLBP and 23 healthy males were examined using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. Participants were scanned twice and received either intranasally applied OXT (24 international units) or placebo 40 min before scanning. The fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF) was computed to investigate regionally specific effects of OXT on intrinsic neural activity. In addition a multivariate statistical data analysis strategy was employed to explore OXT-effects on functional network strength. RESULTS Differential effects of OXT were observed in cLBP and healthy controls. FALFF decreased in left nucleus accumbens and right thalamus in cLBP and increased in right thalamus in healthy controls after OXT application compared to placebo. OXT also induced activity changes in bilateral thalamus, left caudate nucleus and right amygdala in cLBP. OXT was associated with increased medial frontal, parietal and occipital functional network strength, though this effect was not group-specific. Regression analyses revealed significant associations between left nucleus accumbens, left caudate nucleus and right amygdala with pain-specific psychometric scores in cLBP. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest OXT-related modulation of regional activity and neural network strength in patients with cLBP and healthy controls. In patients, distinct regions of the pain matrix may be responsive to modulation by OXT. SIGNIFICANCE Our data suggest significant oxytocin-related modulation of intrinsic regional activity and neural network strength in patients with chronic low back pain and healthy controls. In patients, distinct regions of the pain matrix may be responsive to modulation by oxytocin. Therapeutic effects of oxytocin for improved pain treatment need to be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Schneider
- Department of General Psychiatry, Center of Psychosocial Medicine, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mike M Schmitgen
- Department of General Psychiatry, Center of Psychosocial Medicine, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sabrina Boll
- Department of General Psychiatry, Center of Psychosocial Medicine, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Corinna Roth
- Department of General Psychiatry, Center of Psychosocial Medicine, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Frauke Nees
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim/Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katrin Usai
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim/Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sabine C Herpertz
- Department of General Psychiatry, Center of Psychosocial Medicine, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Robert C Wolf
- Department of General Psychiatry, Center of Psychosocial Medicine, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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