A distinct neuronal ensemble of prelimbic cortex mediates spontaneous pain in rats with peripheral inflammation

Longyu Ma, Lupeng Yue, Shuting Liu, Shi Xu, Jifu Tong, Xiaoyan Sun, Li Su, Shuang Cui, Feng-Yu Liu, You Wan () and Ming Yi ()
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Longyu Ma: Peking University
Lupeng Yue: CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology
Shuting Liu: Peking University
Shi Xu: Peking University
Jifu Tong: Peking University
Xiaoyan Sun: Peking University
Li Su: Peking University
Shuang Cui: Peking University
Feng-Yu Liu: Peking University
You Wan: Peking University
Ming Yi: Peking University

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-18

Abstract: Abstract The absence of a comprehensive understanding of the neural basis of spontaneous pain limits the development of therapeutic strategies targeting this primary complaint of patients with chronic pain. Here we report a distinct neuronal ensemble within the prelimbic cortex which processes signals related to spontaneous pain in rats with chronic inflammatory pain. This neuronal ensemble specifically encodes spontaneous pain-related behaviors, independently of other locomotive and evoked behaviors. Activation of this neuronal ensemble elicits marked spontaneous pain-like behaviors and enhances nociceptive responses, whereas prolonged silencing of its activities alleviates spontaneous pain and promotes overall recovery from inflammatory pain. Notably, afferents from the primary somatosensory cortex and infralimbic cortex bidirectionally modulate the activities of the spontaneous pain-responsive prelimbic cortex neuronal ensemble and pain behaviors. These findings reveal the cortical basis of spontaneous pain at the neuronal level, highlighting a distinct neuronal ensemble within the prelimbic cortex and its associated pain-regulatory brain networks.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-52243-3

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