Activation of the glutamatergic cingulate cortical-cortical connection facilitates pain in adult mice.
Commun Biol
; 6(1): 1247, 2023 12 09.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38071375
ABSTRACT
The brain consists of the left and right cerebral hemispheres and both are connected by callosal projections. Less is known about the basic mechanism of this cortical-cortical connection and its functional importance. Here we investigate the cortical-cortical connection between the bilateral anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) by using the classic electrophysiological and optogenetic approach. We find that there is a direct synaptic projection from one side ACC to the contralateral ACC. Glutamate is the major excitatory transmitter for bilateral ACC connection, including projections to pyramidal cells in superficial (II/III) and deep (V/VI) layers of the ACC. Both AMPA and kainate receptors contribute to synaptic transmission. Repetitive stimulation of the projection also evoked postsynaptic Ca2+ influx in contralateral ACC pyramidal neurons. Behaviorally, light activation of the ACC-ACC connection facilitated behavioral withdrawal responses to mechanical stimuli and noxious heat. In an animal model of neuropathic pain, light inhibitory of ACC-ACC connection reduces both primary and secondary hyperalgesia. Our findings provide strong direct evidence for the excitatory or facilitatory contribution of ACC-ACC connection to pain perception, and this mechanism may provide therapeutic targets for future treatment of chronic pain and related emotional disorders.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Gyrus Cinguli
/
Neuralgia
Limits:
Animals
Language:
En
Journal:
Commun Biol
Year:
2023
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
China