Nociceptive facilitating neurons in the rostral ventromedial medulla

Miranda J. Neubert, Wendy Kincaid, Mary M. Heinricher

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    109 Scopus citations

    Abstract

    The role of the periaqueductal gray-rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) system in descending inhibition of nociception has been studied for over 30 years. The neural basis for this antinociceptive action is reasonably well understood, with strong evidence that activation of a class of RVM neurons termed 'off-cells' exerts a net inhibitory effect on nociception. However, it has recently become clear that this system can facilitate, as well as inhibit pain. Although the mechanisms underlying the facilitation of nociception have not been conclusively identified, indirect evidence points to activation of a class of neurons termed 'on-cells' as mediating descending facilitation. Here we used focal infusion of the tridecapeptide neurotensin within the RVM in lightly anesthetized rats to activate on-cells selectively. Neurotensin has been shown in awake animals to produce a dose-related, bi-directional effect on nociception when applied within the RVM, with hyperalgesia at low doses, and analgesia at higher doses. Using a combination of single cell recording and behavioral testing, we now show that on-cells are activated selectively by low-dose neurotensin, and that the activation of on-cells by neurotensin results in enhanced nociceptive responding, as measured by the paw withdrawal reflex. Furthermore, higher neurotensin doses recruit off-cells in addition to on-cells, producing behavioral antinociception. Selective activation of on-cells is thus sufficient to produce hyperalgesia, confirming the role of these neurons in facilitating nociception. Activation of on-cells likely contributes to enhanced sensitivity to noxious stimulation or reduced sensitivity to analgesic drugs in a variety of conditions.

    Original languageEnglish (US)
    Pages (from-to)158-165
    Number of pages8
    JournalPain
    Volume110
    Issue number1-2
    DOIs
    StatePublished - Jul 2004

    Keywords

    • Analgesia
    • Descending control
    • Hyperalgesia
    • Nucleus raphe magnus
    • On-cells
    • Pain modulation

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Neurology
    • Clinical Neurology
    • Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine

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