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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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Zhang Y, Huang X, Xin WJ, He S, Deng J, Ruan X. Somatostatin Neurons from Periaqueductal Gray to Medulla Facilitate Neuropathic Pain in Male Mice. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2023; 24:1020-1029. [PMID: 36641028 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2023.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Projections from the periaqueductal gray (PAG) to the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) are known to engage in descending pain modulation, but how the neural substrates of the PAG-RVM projections contribute to neuropathic pain remains largely unknown. In this study, we showed somatostatin-expressing glutamatergic neurons in the lateral/ventrolateral PAG that facilitate mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity in a mouse model of chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain. We found that these neurons form direct excitatory connections with neurons in the RVM region. Inhibition of this PAG-RVM projection alleviates mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity associated with neuropathy, whereas its activation enhances hypersensitivity in the mice. Thus, our findings revealed that somatostatin neurons within the PAG-RVM axial are crucial for descending pain facilitation and can potentially be exploited as a useful therapeutic target for neuropathic pain. PERSPECTIVE: We report the profound contribution of somatostatin neurons within the PAG-RVM projections to descending pain facilitation underlying neuropathic pain. These results may help to develop central therapeutic strategies for neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuehong Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xuelin Huang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wen-Jun Xin
- Zhongshan Medical School and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shilang He
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jie Deng
- Zhongshan Medical School and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiangcai Ruan
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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Maric V, Ramanathan D, Mishra J. Respiratory regulation & interactions with neuro-cognitive circuitry. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 112:95-106. [PMID: 32027875 PMCID: PMC10092293 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
It is increasingly being recognized that active control of breathing - a key aspect of ancient Vedic meditative practices, can relieve stress and anxiety and improve cognition. However, the underlying mechanisms of respiratory modulation of neurophysiology are just beginning to be elucidated. Research shows that brainstem circuits involved in the motor control of respiration receive input from and can directly modulate activity in subcortical circuits, affecting emotion and arousal. Meanwhile, brain regions involved in the sensory aspects of respiration, such as the olfactory bulb, are like-wise linked with wide-spread brain oscillations; and perturbing olfactory bulb activity can significantly affect both mood and cognition. Thus, via both motor and sensory pathways, there are clear mechanisms by which brain activity is entrained to the respiratory cycle. Here, we review evidence gathered across multiple species demonstrating the links between respiration, entrainment of brain activity and functional relevance for affecting mood and cognition. We also discuss further linkages with cardiac rhythms, and the potential translational implications for biorhythm monitoring and regulation in neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vojislav Maric
- Neural Engineering and Translation Labs, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Dhakshin Ramanathan
- Neural Engineering and Translation Labs, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Mental Health, VA San Diego Medical Center, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jyoti Mishra
- Neural Engineering and Translation Labs, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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Gao ZR, Chen WZ, Liu MZ, Chen XJ, Wan L, Zhang XY, Yuan L, Lin JK, Wang M, Zhou L, Xu XH, Sun YG. Tac1-Expressing Neurons in the Periaqueductal Gray Facilitate the Itch-Scratching Cycle via Descending Regulation. Neuron 2019; 101:45-59.e9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2018.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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Ikeda K, Kawakami K, Onimaru H, Okada Y, Yokota S, Koshiya N, Oku Y, Iizuka M, Koizumi H. The respiratory control mechanisms in the brainstem and spinal cord: integrative views of the neuroanatomy and neurophysiology. J Physiol Sci 2016; 67:45-62. [PMID: 27535569 PMCID: PMC5368202 DOI: 10.1007/s12576-016-0475-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Respiratory activities are produced by medullary respiratory rhythm generators and are modulated from various sites in the lower brainstem, and which are then output as motor activities through premotor efferent networks in the brainstem and spinal cord. Over the past few decades, new knowledge has been accumulated on the anatomical and physiological mechanisms underlying the generation and regulation of respiratory rhythm. In this review, we focus on the recent findings and attempt to elucidate the anatomical and functional mechanisms underlying respiratory control in the lower brainstem and spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiko Ikeda
- Division of Biology, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, 663-8501, Japan.
| | - Kiyoshi Kawakami
- Division of Biology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Onimaru
- Department of Physiology, Showa University School of Medicine, Shinagawa, Tokyo, 142-8555, Japan.
| | - Yasumasa Okada
- Clinical Research Center, Murayama Medical Center, Musashimurayama, Tokyo, 208-0011, Japan.
| | - Shigefumi Yokota
- Department of Anatomy and Morphological Neuroscience, Shimane University School of Medicine, Izumo, Shimane, 693-8501, Japan
| | - Naohiro Koshiya
- Cellular and Systems Neurobiology Section, NINDS, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
| | - Yoshitaka Oku
- Department of Physiology, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, 663-8501, Japan.
| | - Makito Iizuka
- Department of Physiology, Showa University School of Medicine, Shinagawa, Tokyo, 142-8555, Japan.
| | - Hidehiko Koizumi
- Cellular and Systems Neurobiology Section, NINDS, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
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Changes in VGLUT2 expression and function in pain-related supraspinal regions correlate with the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain in a mouse spared nerve injury model. Brain Res 2015; 1624:515-524. [PMID: 26300222 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2015.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2015] [Revised: 08/11/2015] [Accepted: 08/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Vesicular glutamate transporters (VGLUTs) control the storage and release of glutamate, which plays a critical role in pain processing. The VGLUT2 isoform has been found to be densely distributed in the nociceptive pathways in supraspinal regions, and VGLUT2-deficient mice exhibit an attenuation of neuropathic pain; these results suggest a possible involvement of VGLUT2 in neuropathic pain. To further examine this, we investigated the temporal changes in VGLUT2 expression in different brain regions as well as changes in glutamate release from thalamic synaptosomes in spared nerve injury (SNI) mice. We also investigated the effects of a VGLUT inhibitor, Chicago Sky Blue 6B (CSB6B), on pain behavior, c-Fos expression, and depolarization-evoked glutamate release in SNI mice. Our results showed a significant elevation of VGLUT2 expression up to postoperative day 1 in the thalamus, periaqueductal gray, and amygdala, followed by a return to control levels. Consistent with the changes in VGLUT2 expression, SNI enhanced depolarization-induced glutamate release from thalamic synaptosomes, while CSB6B treatment produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of glutamate release. Moreover, intracerebroventricular administration of CSB6B, at a dose that did not affect motor function, attenuated mechanical allodynia and c-Fos up-regulation in pain-related brain areas during the early stages of neuropathic pain development. These results demonstrate that changes in the expression of supraspinal VGLUT2 may be a new mechanism relevant to the induction of neuropathic pain after nerve injury that acts through an aggravation of glutamate imbalance.
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Robust network oscillations during mammalian respiratory rhythm generation driven by synaptic dynamics. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015. [PMID: 26195782 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1421997112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
How might synaptic dynamics generate synchronous oscillations in neuronal networks? We address this question in the preBötzinger complex (preBötC), a brainstem neural network that paces robust, yet labile, inspiration in mammals. The preBötC is composed of a few hundred neurons that alternate bursting activity with silent periods, but the mechanism underlying this vital rhythm remains elusive. Using a computational approach to model a randomly connected neuronal network that relies on short-term synaptic facilitation (SF) and depression (SD), we show that synaptic fluctuations can initiate population activities through recurrent excitation. We also show that a two-step SD process allows activity in the network to synchronize (bursts) and generate a population refractory period (silence). The model was validated against an array of experimental conditions, which recapitulate several processes the preBötC may experience. Consistent with the modeling assumptions, we reveal, by electrophysiological recordings, that SF/SD can occur at preBötC synapses on timescales that influence rhythmic population activity. We conclude that nondeterministic neuronal spiking and dynamic synaptic strengths in a randomly connected network are sufficient to give rise to regular respiratory-like rhythmic network activity and lability, which may play an important role in generating the rhythm for breathing and other coordinated motor activities in mammals.
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Koshiya N, Oku Y, Yokota S, Oyamada Y, Yasui Y, Okada Y. Anatomical and functional pathways of rhythmogenic inspiratory premotor information flow originating in the pre-Bötzinger complex in the rat medulla. Neuroscience 2014; 268:194-211. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2013] [Revised: 03/02/2014] [Accepted: 03/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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