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Ichinose H, Natsume T, Yano M, Awaga Y, Hanada M, Takamatsu H, Matsuyama Y. Evaluation of brain activation related to resting pain using functional magnetic resonance imaging in cynomolgus macaques undergoing knee surgery. J Orthop 2024; 52:12-16. [PMID: 38404703 PMCID: PMC10881445 DOI: 10.1016/j.jor.2024.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) visualizes hemodynamic responses associated with brain and spinal cord activation. Various types of pain have been objectively assessed using fMRI as considerable brain activations. This study aimed to develop a pain model in cynomolgus macaques undergoing knee surgery and confirm brain activation due to resting pain after knee surgery. Methods An osteochondral graft surgery on the femoral condyle in the unilateral knee was performed on four cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis). Resting pain was evaluated as changes in brain fMRI findings with a 3.0-T MRI scanner preoperatively, postoperatively, and after postoperative administration of morphine. In the fMRI analysis, Z-values >1.96 were considered statistically significant. Results Brain activation without stimulation after surgery in the cingulate cortex (3.09) and insular cortex (3.06) on the opposite side of the surgery was significantly greater than that before surgery (1.05 and 1.03, respectively) according to fMRI. After the administration of morphine, activation due to resting pain decreased in the cingulate cortex (1.38) and insular cortex (1.21). Conclusion Osteochondral graft surgery on the femoral condyle can lead to postoperative resting pain. fMRI can reveal activation in pain-related brain areas and evaluate resting pain due to knee surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hatsumi Ichinose
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Takahiro Natsume
- Pharmacology Group, Hamamatsu Pharma Research, Inc., Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Mizuho Yano
- Pharmacology Group, Hamamatsu Pharma Research, Inc., Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Yuji Awaga
- Pharmacology Group, Hamamatsu Pharma Research, Inc., Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Hanada
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Takamatsu
- Pharmacology Group, Hamamatsu Pharma Research, Inc., Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Matsuyama
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
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Zhu H, Tao Y, Wang S, Zhu X, Lin K, Zheng N, Chen LM, Xu F, Wu R. fMRI, LFP, and anatomical evidence for hierarchical nociceptive routing pathway between somatosensory and insular cortices. Neuroimage 2024; 289:120549. [PMID: 38382864 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2024.120549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The directional organization of multiple nociceptive regions, particularly within obscure operculoinsular areas, underlying multidimensional pain processing remains elusive. This study aims to establish the fundamental organization between somatosensory and insular cortices in routing nociceptive information. By employing an integrated multimodal approach of high-field fMRI, intracranial electrophysiology, and transsynaptic viral tracing in rats, we observed a hierarchically organized connection of S1/S2 → posterior insula → anterior insula in routing nociceptive information. The directional nociceptive pathway determined by early fMRI responses was consistent with that examined by early evoked LFP, intrinsic effective connectivity, and anatomical projection, suggesting fMRI could provide a valuable facility to discern directional neural circuits in animals and humans non-invasively. Moreover, our knowledge of the nociceptive hierarchical organization of somatosensory and insular cortices and the interface role of the posterior insula may have implications for the development of targeted pain therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yan Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Siqi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xutao Zhu
- Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Kunzhang Lin
- Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Ning Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Li Min Chen
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science and Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
| | - Fuqiang Xu
- Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China.
| | - Ruiqi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology, Shanghai 200031, China.
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3
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Mishra A, Yang PF, Manuel TJ, Newton AT, Phipps MA, Luo H, Sigona MK, Reed JL, Gore JC, Grissom WA, Caskey CF, Chen LM. Disrupting nociceptive information processing flow through transcranial focused ultrasound neuromodulation of thalamic nuclei. Brain Stimul 2023; 16:1430-1444. [PMID: 37741439 PMCID: PMC10702144 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2023.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND MRI-guided transcranial focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) as a next-generation neuromodulation tool can precisely target and stimulate deep brain regions with high spatial selectivity. Combined with MR-ARFI (acoustic radiation force imaging) and using fMRI BOLD signal as functional readouts, our previous studies have shown that low-intensity FUS can excite or suppress neural activity in the somatosensory cortex. OBJECTIVE To investigate whether low-intensity FUS can suppress nociceptive heat stimulation-induced responses in thalamic nuclei during hand stimulation, and to determine how this suppression influences the information processing flow within nociception networks. FINDINGS BOLD fMRI activations evoked by 47.5 °C heat stimulation of hand were detected in 24 cortical regions, which belong to sensory, affective, and cognitive nociceptive networks. Concurrent delivery of low-intensity FUS pulses (650 kHz, 550 kPa) to the predefined heat nociceptive stimulus-responsive thalamic centromedial_parafascicular (CM_para), mediodorsal (MD), ventral_lateral (VL_ and ventral_lateral_posteroventral (VLpv) nuclei suppressed their heat responses. Off-target cortical areas exhibited reduced, enhanced, or no significant fMRI signal changes, depending on the specific areas. Differentiable thalamocortical information flow during the processing of nociceptive heat input was observed, as indicated by the time to reach 10% or 30% of the heat-evoked BOLD signal peak. Suppression of thalamic heat responses significantly altered nociceptive processing flow and direction between the thalamus and cortical areas. Modulation of contralateral versus ipsilateral areas by unilateral thalamic activity differed. Signals detected in high-order cortical areas, such as dorsal frontal (DFC) and ventrolateral prefrontal (vlPFC) cortices, exhibited faster response latencies than sensory areas. CONCLUSIONS The concurrent delivery of FUS suppressed nociceptive heat response in thalamic nuclei and disrupted the nociceptive network. This study offers new insights into the causal functional connections within the thalamocortical networks and demonstrates the modulatory effects of low-intensity FUS on nociceptive information processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arabinda Mishra
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Pai-Feng Yang
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Thomas J Manuel
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Allen T Newton
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - M Anthony Phipps
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Huiwen Luo
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Michelle K Sigona
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jamie L Reed
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - John C Gore
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - William A Grissom
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Charles F Caskey
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Li Min Chen
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
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Wu R, Wang F, Yang PF, Gore JC, Chen LM. Graph theory analysis identified two hubs that connect sensorimotor and cognitive and cortical and subcortical nociceptive networks in the non-human primate. Neuroimage 2022; 257:119244. [PMID: 35533827 PMCID: PMC9306334 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2022.119244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Pain perception involves multiple brain regions and networks. Understanding how these brain networks work together is fundamental for appreciating network-wise changes reported in patients with chronic pain disorders. Parcellating pain related networks and understanding their causal relationships is the first step to understand how painful information is processed, integrated, and modulated, and it requires direct manipulation of specific brain regions. Nonhuman primates (NHP) offer an ideal model system to achieve these goals because cortical and subcortical regions in the NHP brain are established based on a variety of different types of data collected in a way that is not feasible or, at least, extremely difficult in humans (i.e., histology data, tract-tracing, intracerebral recordings). In addition, different methodological techniques can also help characterize and further understand these brain cortical and subcortical regions over the course of development. Here we used a heat nociceptive stimulation that is proven to elicit activity of nociceptive neurons in the cortex to refine and parcellate the whole brain nociceptive functional networks, to identify key network hubs, and to characterize network-wise temporal dynamic signatures using high-resolution fMRI. We first functionally localized 24 cortical and subcortical regions that responded to heat nociceptive stimuli (somatosensory area 1/2, area 3a/3b, S2, posterior insula (pIns), anterior insula, area 7b, posterior parietal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), prefrontal cortex, caudate, and mediodorsal (MD) and ventral posterior lateral (VPL) thalamic nuclei) and used them as seeds in resting state fMRI (rsfMRI) data analysis. We applied both hierarchical clustering and graph-theory analyses of the pairwise rsfMRI correlation metrics and identified five cortical and one subcortical sub-networks: strong resting state functional connectivity (rsFC) between ACC and prefrontal regions, parietal cortex and area 7b, S2 and posterior insula, areas 3a/3b and 1/2 within the S1 cortex, and thalamic MD and caudate nuclei. The rsFC strengths between cortical areas within each subnetwork were significantly stronger than those between subcortical regions. Regions within each sub-network also exhibited highly correlated temporal dynamics at rest, but the overall dynamic patterns varied drastically across sub-networks. Graph-theory analysis identified the MD nucleus as a hub that connects subcortical and cortical nociceptive sub-networks. The S2-pIns connection joins the sensory and affective/cognitive sub-networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiqi Wu
- Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States,Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1161 21st Ave. S. AA 1105 MCN, Nashville, TN 37232-2310, United States,State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States,Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1161 21st Ave. S. AA 1105 MCN, Nashville, TN 37232-2310, United States
| | - Pai-Feng Yang
- Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States,Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1161 21st Ave. S. AA 1105 MCN, Nashville, TN 37232-2310, United States
| | - John C Gore
- Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States,Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1161 21st Ave. S. AA 1105 MCN, Nashville, TN 37232-2310, United States,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Li Min Chen
- Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1161 21st Ave. S. AA 1105 MCN, Nashville, TN 37232-2310, United States; Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States.
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5
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Nagasaka K, Takashima I, Matsuda K, Higo N. Pharmacological inactivation of the primate posterior insular/secondary somatosensory cortices attenuates thermal hyperalgesia. Eur J Pain 2022; 26:1723-1731. [PMID: 35762263 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.1996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We previously established a macaque model of central post-stroke pain (CPSP) and confirmed the involvement of increased activity of the posterior insular cortex (PIC) and secondary somatosensory cortex (SII) to somatosensory stimuli in mechanical allodynia by a combination of imaging techniques with local pharmacological inactivation. However, it is unclear whether the same intervention would be effective for thermal hyperalgesia. Therefore, using the macaque model, we examined behavioral responses to thermal stimuli following pharmacological inactivation of the PIC/SII. METHODS Two CPSP model macaques were established based on collagenase-induced unilateral hemorrhagic lesions in the ventral posterolateral nucleus of the thalamus. To evaluate pain perception, withdrawal latencies to thermal stimuli of 37, 45, 50, 52, and 55 °C to hands were measured. Several weeks after the lesion induction, pharmacological inactivation of the PIC/SII by microinjection of muscimol was performed. The effect of inactivation on withdrawal latency was assessed by comparison with withdrawal latency after vehicle injection. RESULTS Several weeks after induction of the thalamic lesions, both macaques demonstrated a reduction in withdrawal latencies to thermal stimulation (<50 °C) on the contralesional hand, indicating the occurrence of thermal hyperalgesia. When the PIC/SII were inactivated by muscimol, the withdrawal latencies to thermal stimuli of 50 and 52 °C were significantly increased compared to those after vehicle injection. CONCLUSIONS Our data emphasize that increased activity in the PIC/SII after appearance of thalamic lesions can contribute to abnormal pain of multiple modalities, and the modulation of PIC/SII activity may be a therapeutic approach for thermal hyperalgesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Nagasaka
- Human Informatics and Interaction Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Ibaraki, Japan.,Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.,Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan.,Department of Physical Therapy, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
| | - I Takashima
- Human Informatics and Interaction Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Ibaraki, Japan.,Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - K Matsuda
- Human Informatics and Interaction Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - N Higo
- Human Informatics and Interaction Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Ibaraki, Japan
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Ye X, Yang PF, Liu Q, Dillenburger BD, Friedman RM, Chen LM. A thermal nociceptive patch in the S2 cortex of nonhuman primates: a combined functional magnetic resonance imaging and electrophysiology study. Pain 2021; 162:2705-2716. [PMID: 33945242 PMCID: PMC8380756 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Human functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and behavioral studies have established the roles of cortical areas along the Sylvian fissure in sensing subjective pain. Yet, little is known about how sensory aspects of painful information are represented and processed by neurons in these regions and how their electrophysiological activities are related to fMRI signals. The current study aims to partially address this critical knowledge gap by performing fMRI-guided microelectrode mapping and recording studies in the homologous region of the parietal operculum in squirrel monkeys under light anesthesia. In each animal studied (n = 8), we detected mesoscale mini-networks for heat nociception in cortical regions around the lateral sulcus. Within the network, we discovered a ∼1.5 × 1.5-mm2-sized cortical patch that solely contained heat nociceptive neurons that aligned with the heat fMRI activation locus. These neurons responded slowly to thermal (heat and cold) nociceptive stimuli exclusively, continued firing for several seconds after the succession of stimulation, and exhibited multidigit receptive fields and high spontaneous firing rates. Similar to the fMRI responses, increasing temperatures in the nociceptive range led to a nonlinear increase in firing rates. The finding of a clustering of heat nociceptive neurons provides novel insights into the unique functional organization of thermal nociception in the S2 subregion of the primate brain. With fMRI, it supports the existence of a modality-preferred heat nociceptive patch that is spatially separated and intermingled with touch patches containing neurons with comparable receptive fields and the presence of functionally distinct mini-networks in primate opercular cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Ye
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Pai-Feng Yang
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Qing Liu
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Barbara D Dillenburger
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Robert M Friedman
- Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Li Min Chen
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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7
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Neumann L, Wulms N, Witte V, Spisak T, Zunhammer M, Bingel U, Schmidt-Wilcke T. Network properties and regional brain morphology of the insular cortex correlate with individual pain thresholds. Hum Brain Mapp 2021; 42:4896-4908. [PMID: 34296487 PMCID: PMC8449096 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.25588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pain thresholds vary considerably across individuals and are influenced by a number of behavioral, genetic and neurobiological factors. However, the neurobiological underpinnings that account for individual differences remain to be fully elucidated. In this study, we used voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) and graph theory, specifically the local clustering coefficient (CC) based on resting‐state connectivity, to identify brain regions, where regional gray matter volume and network properties predicted individual pain thresholds. As a main finding, we identified a cluster in the left posterior insular cortex (IC) reaching into the left parietal operculum, including the secondary somatosensory cortex, where both regional gray matter volume and the local CC correlated with individual pain thresholds. We also performed a resting‐state functional connectivity analysis using the left posterior IC as seed region, demonstrating that connectivity to the pre‐ as well as postcentral gyrus bilaterally; that is, to the motor and primary sensory cortices were correlated with individual pain thresholds. To our knowledge, this is the first study that applied VBM in combination with voxel‐based graph theory in the context of pain thresholds. The co‐location of the VBM and the local CC cluster provide first evidence that both structure and function map to the same brain region while being correlated with the same behavioral measure; that is, pain thresholds. The study highlights the importance of the posterior IC, not only for pain perception in general, but also for the determination of individual pain thresholds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn Neumann
- Medizinische Klinik I, Klinik für Innere Medizin, Nephrologie und Dialyse, Osteologie und Rheumatologie, St. Franziskus-Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Niklas Wulms
- Institut für Epidemiologie und Sozialmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Vanessa Witte
- Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, St. Josef-Hospital Bochum, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Tamas Spisak
- Klinik für Neurologie, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Ulrike Bingel
- Klinik für Neurologie, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Tobias Schmidt-Wilcke
- Institut für Klinische Neurowissenschaften und Medizinische Psychologie, Heinrich Heine Universität, Düsseldorf, Germany.,Neurologisches Zentrum, Bezirksklinikum Mainkofen, Deggendorf, Germany
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8
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Guo X, Zhang Q, Singh A, Wang J, Chen ZS. Granger causality analysis of rat cortical functional connectivity in pain. J Neural Eng 2020; 17:016050. [PMID: 31945754 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ab6cba] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The primary somatosensory cortex (S1) and the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) are two of the most important cortical brain regions encoding the sensory-discriminative and affective-emotional aspects of pain, respectively. However, the functional connectivity of these two areas during pain processing remains unclear. Developing methods to dissect the functional connectivity and directed information flow between cortical pain circuits can reveal insight into neural mechanisms of pain perception. APPROACH We recorded multichannel local field potentials (LFPs) from the S1 and ACC in freely behaving rats under various conditions of pain stimulus (thermal versus mechanical) and pain state (naive versus chronic pain). We applied Granger causality (GC) analysis to the LFP recordings and inferred frequency-dependent GC statistics between the S1 and ACC. MAIN RESULTS We found an increased information flow during noxious pain stimulus presentation in both S1[Formula: see text]ACC and ACC[Formula: see text]S1 directions, especially at theta and gamma frequency bands. Similar results were found for thermal and mechanical pain stimuli. The chronic pain state shares common observations, except for further elevated GC measures especially in the gamma band. Furthermore, time-varying GC analysis revealed a negative correlation between the direction-specific and frequency-dependent GC and animal's paw withdrawal latency. In addition, we used computer simulations to investigate the impact of model mismatch, noise, missing variables, and common input on the conditional GC estimate. We also compared the GC results with the transfer entropy (TE) estimates. SIGNIFICANCE Our results reveal functional connectivity and directed information flow between the S1 and ACC during various pain conditions. The dynamic GC analysis support the hypothesis of cortico-cortical information loop in pain perception, consistent with the computational predictive coding paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinling Guo
- School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China. Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, United States of America
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Functional MRI Responses to Passive, Active, and Observed Touch in Somatosensory and Insular Cortices of the Macaque Monkey. J Neurosci 2018. [PMID: 29540550 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1587-17.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurophysiological data obtained in primates suggests that merely observing others' actions can modulate activity in the observer's motor cortices. In humans, it has been suggested that these multimodal vicarious responses extend well beyond the motor cortices, including somatosensory and insular brain regions, which seem to yield vicarious responses when witnessing others' actions, sensations, or emotions (Gazzola and Keysers, 2009). Despite the wealth of data with respect to shared action responses in the monkey motor system, whether the somatosensory and insular cortices also yield vicarious responses during observation of touch remains largely unknown. Using independent tactile and motor fMRI localizers, we first mapped the hand representations of two male monkeys' primary (SI) and secondary (SII) somatosensory cortices. In two subsequent visual experiments, we examined fMRI brain responses to (1) observing a conspecific's hand being touched or (2) observing a human hand grasping or mere touching an object or another human hand. Whereas functionally defined "tactile SI" and "tactile SII" showed little involvement in representing observed touch, vicarious responses for touch were found in parietal area PFG, consistent with recent observations in humans (Chan and Baker, 2015). Interestingly, a more anterior portion of SII, and posterior insular cortex, both of which responded when monkeys performed active grasping movements, also yielded visual responses during different instances of touch observation.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Common coding of one's own and others' actions, sensations, and emotions seems to be widespread in the brain. Although it is currently unclear to what extent human somatosensory cortices yield vicarious responses when observing touch, even less is known about the presence of similar vicarious responses in monkey somatosensory cortex. We therefore localized monkey somatosensory hand representations using fMRI and investigated whether these regions yield vicarious responses while observing various instances of touch. Whereas "tactile SI and SII" did not elicit responses during touch observation, a more anterior portion of SII, in addition to area PFG and posterior insular cortex, all of which responded during monkeys' own grasping movements, yielded vicarious responses during observed touch.
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Cortical Representation of Pain and Touch: Evidence from Combined Functional Neuroimaging and Electrophysiology in Non-human Primates. Neurosci Bull 2017; 34:165-177. [PMID: 28466257 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-017-0133-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Human functional MRI studies in acute and various chronic pain conditions have revolutionized how we view pain, and have led to a new theory that complex multi-dimensional pain experience (sensory-discriminative, affective/motivational, and cognitive) is represented by concurrent activity in widely-distributed brain regions (termed a network or pain matrix). Despite these breakthrough discoveries, the specific functions proposed for these regions remain elusive, because detailed electrophysiological characterizations of these regions in the primate brain are lacking. To fill in this knowledge gap, we have studied the cortical areas around the central and lateral sulci of the non-human primate brain with combined submillimeter resolution functional imaging (optical imaging and fMRI) and intracranial electrophysiological recording. In this mini-review, I summarize and present data showing that the cortical circuitry engaged in nociceptive processing is much more complex than previously recognized. Electrophysiological evidence supports the engagement of a distinct nociceptive-processing network within SI (i.e., areas 3a, 3b, 1 and 2), SII, and other areas along the lateral sulcus. Deafferentation caused by spinal cord injury profoundly alters the relationships between fMRI and electrophysiological signals. This finding has significant implications for using fMRI to study chronic pain conditions involving deafferentation in humans.
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Wu R, Wang F, Yang PF, Chen LM. High-resolution functional MRI identified distinct global intrinsic functional networks of nociceptive posterior insula and S2 regions in squirrel monkey brain. Neuroimage 2017; 155:147-158. [PMID: 28461059 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2017.04.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2016] [Revised: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous functional imaging and electrophysiological studies in humans and animals indicate that the two contiguous areas of secondary somatosensory cortex (S2) and posterior insula (pIns) are core regions in nociceptive processing and pain perception. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the S2-pIns connection serves as a hub for connecting distinct sensory and affective nociceptive processing networks in the squirrel monkey brain. At 9.4T, we first mapped the brain regions that respond to nociceptive heat stimuli with high-resolution fMRI, and then used seed-based resting-state fMRI (rsfMRI) analysis to delineate and refine the global intrinsic functional connectivity circuits of the proximal S2 and pIns regions. In each subject, nociceptive (47.5°C) heat-evoked fMRI activations were detected in many brain regions, including primary somatosensory (S1), S2, pIns, area 7b, anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), primary motor cortex, prefrontal cortex, supplementary motor area, thalamus, and caudate. Using the heat-evoked fMRI activation foci in S2 and pIns as the seeds, voxel-wise whole-brain resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) analysis revealed strong functional connections between contralateral S2 and pIns, as well as their corresponding regions in the ipsilateral hemisphere. Spatial similarity and overlap analysis identified each region as part of two distinct intrinsic functional networks with 7% overlap: sensory S2-S1-area 7b and affective pIns-ACC-PCC networks. Moreover, a high degree of overlap was observed between the combined rsFC maps of nociceptive S2 and pIns regions and the nociceptive heat-evoked activation map. In summary, our study provides evidence for the existence of two distinct intrinsic functional networks for S2 and pIns nociceptive regions, and these two networks are joined via the S2-pIns connection. Brain regions that are involved in processing nociceptive inputs are also highly interconnected at rest. The presence of robust and distinct S1-S2-area 7b and pIns-ACC-PCC rsFC networks under anesthesia underscores their fundamental roles in processing nociceptive information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiqi Wu
- Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States; Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, The Chinese Academy of Sciences/State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Pai-Feng Yang
- Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Li Min Chen
- Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States; Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States.
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12
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Lenoir C, Huang G, Vandermeeren Y, Hatem SM, Mouraux A. Human primary somatosensory cortex is differentially involved in vibrotaction and nociception. J Neurophysiol 2017; 118:317-330. [PMID: 28446584 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00615.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2016] [Revised: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) in vibrotaction is well established. In contrast, its involvement in nociception is still debated. Here we test whether S1 is similarly involved in the processing of nonnociceptive and nociceptive somatosensory input in humans by comparing the aftereffects of high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) of S1 on the event-related potentials (ERPs) elicited by nonnociceptive and nociceptive somatosensory stimuli delivered to the ipsilateral and contralateral hands. Cathodal HD-tDCS significantly affected the responses to nonnociceptive somatosensory stimuli delivered to the contralateral hand: both early-latency ERPs from within S1 (N20 wave elicited by transcutaneous electrical stimulation of median nerve) and late-latency ERPs elicited outside S1 (N120 wave elicited by short-lasting mechanical vibrations delivered to index fingertip, thought to originate from bilateral operculo-insular and cingulate cortices). These results support the notion that S1 constitutes an obligatory relay for the cortical processing of nonnociceptive tactile input originating from the contralateral hemibody. Contrasting with this asymmetric effect of HD-tDCS on the responses to nonnociceptive somatosensory input, HD-tDCS over the sensorimotor cortex led to a bilateral and symmetric reduction of the magnitude of the N240 wave of nociceptive laser-evoked potentials elicited by stimulation of the hand dorsum. Taken together, our results demonstrate in humans a differential involvement of S1 in vibrotaction and nociception.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Whereas the role of the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) in vibrotaction is well established, its involvement in nociception remains strongly debated. By assessing, in healthy volunteers, the effect of high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation over S1, we demonstrate a differential involvement of S1 in vibrotaction and nociception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cédric Lenoir
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Gan Huang
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Yves Vandermeeren
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,NeuroModulation Unit, Neurology Department, CHU UCL Namur (Godinne), Université catholique de Louvain, Yvoir, Belgium.,Louvain Bionics, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium; and
| | - Samar Marie Hatem
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Brugmann University Hospital, and Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - André Mouraux
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium;
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13
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Yang Q, Wang Z, Yang L, Xu Y, Chen LM. Cortical thickness and functional connectivity abnormality in chronic headache and low back pain patients. Hum Brain Mapp 2017; 38:1815-1832. [PMID: 28052444 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.23484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Revised: 11/11/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims to characterize the psychological wellbeing of chronic headache (CH) patients, to identify cortical structural abnormalities and any associations of those abnormalities with resting state functional connectivity (rsFC), and to determine whether such rsFC abnormality is specific to CH patients. Compared with healthy controls (CONCH ), CH patients suffered from mild depression, sleep disturbances, and relatively poor quality of life. CH patients also exhibited widespread cortical thickness (CT) abnormalities in left premotor (BA6), right primary somatosensory (S1) and right prefrontal (BA10) cortices, as well as in regions of default mode and executive control networks. Using cortical regions with thickness abnormality as seeds, we found cortical region pairs showed strengthened rsFC in CH patients. Using the same seeds, rsFC analysis from chronic low back pain (CLBP) patients and their controls (CONCLBP ) identified abnormalities in non-overlapping cortical region pairs. Direct comparison of rsFC between CH and CLBP patients revealed significantly differences in thirteen cortical region pairs, including the four identified in CH and CONCH comparison. Across all three groups (CH, CLBP and CON), the rsFC between left multisensory association area (BA39) and left posterior cingulate cortex (BA23) differed significantly. Eight regions showed CT abnormality in CLBP patients, two of which overlapped with those of CH patients. Our observations support the notion that CH and CLBP pain are pathological conditions, under which the brain develops distinct widespread structural and functional abnormalities. CH and CLBP groups share some similar structural abnormalities, but rsFC abnormalities in several cortical region pairs appear to be pathology-specific. Hum Brain Mapp 38:1815-1832, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Yang
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Shanghai Clinical Research Center/Xuhui Central Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, People's Republic of China
| | - Zewei Wang
- School of Mechatronic Engineering and Automation, Shanghai University, People's Republic of China
| | - Lixia Yang
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Shanghai Clinical Research Center/Xuhui Central Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, People's Republic of China
| | - Yonghua Xu
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Shanghai Clinical Research Center/Xuhui Central Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Min Chen
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Shanghai Clinical Research Center/Xuhui Central Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, People's Republic of China.,Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee.,Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
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14
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Qi HX, Wang F, Liao CC, Friedman RM, Tang C, Kaas JH, Avison MJ. Spatiotemporal trajectories of reactivation of somatosensory cortex by direct and secondary pathways after dorsal column lesions in squirrel monkeys. Neuroimage 2016; 142:431-453. [PMID: 27523450 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2016.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Revised: 06/23/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
After lesions of the somatosensory dorsal column (DC) pathway, the cortical hand representation can become unresponsive to tactile stimuli, but considerable responsiveness returns over weeks of post-lesion recovery. The reactivation suggests that preserved subthreshold sensory inputs become potentiated and axon sprouting occurs over time to mediate recovery. Here, we studied the recovery process in 3 squirrel monkeys, using high-resolution cerebral blood volume-based functional magnetic resonance imaging (CBV-fMRI) mapping of contralateral somatosensory cortex responsiveness to stimulation of distal finger pads with low and high level electrocutaneous stimulation (ES) before and 2, 4, and 6weeks after a mid-cervical level contralateral DC lesion. Both low and high intensity ES of digits revealed the expected somatotopy of the area 3b hand representation in pre-lesion monkeys, while in areas 1 and 3a, high intensity stimulation was more effective in activating somatotopic patterns. Six weeks post-lesion, and irrespective of the severity of loss of direct DC inputs (98%, 79%, 40%), somatosensory cortical area 3b of all three animals showed near complete recovery in terms of somatotopy and responsiveness to low and high intensity ES. However there was significant variability in the patterns and amplitudes of reactivation of individual digit territories within and between animals, reflecting differences in the degree of permanent and/or transient silencing of primary DC and secondary inputs 2weeks post-lesion, and their spatio-temporal trajectories of recovery between 2 and 6weeks. Similar variations in the silencing and recovery of somatotopy and responsiveness to high intensity ES in areas 3a and 1 are consistent with individual differences in damage to and recovery of DC and spinocuneate pathways, and possibly the potentiation of spinothalamic pathways. Thus, cortical deactivation and subsequent reactivation depends not only on the degree of DC lesion, but also on the severity and duration of loss of secondary as well as primary inputs revealed by low and high intensity ES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Xin Qi
- Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA.
| | - Feng Wang
- Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA; Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
| | - Chia-Chi Liao
- Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
| | - Robert M Friedman
- Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
| | - Chaohui Tang
- Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA; Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
| | - Jon H Kaas
- Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA; Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
| | - Malcolm J Avison
- Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA; Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA; Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
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15
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Asad ABA, Seah S, Baumgartner R, Feng D, Jensen A, Manigbas E, Henry B, Houghton A, Evelhoch JL, Derbyshire SWG, Chin CL. Distinct BOLD fMRI Responses of Capsaicin-Induced Thermal Sensation Reveal Pain-Related Brain Activation in Nonhuman Primates. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0156805. [PMID: 27309348 PMCID: PMC4911046 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0156805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2015] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Approximately 20% of the adult population suffer from chronic pain that is not adequately treated by current therapies, highlighting a great need for improved treatment options. To develop effective analgesics, experimental human and animal models of pain are critical. Topically/intra-dermally applied capsaicin induces hyperalgesia and allodynia to thermal and tactile stimuli that mimics chronic pain and is a useful translation from preclinical research to clinical investigation. Many behavioral and self-report studies of pain have exploited the use of the capsaicin pain model, but objective biomarker correlates of the capsaicin augmented nociceptive response in nonhuman primates remains to be explored. Methodology Here we establish an aversive capsaicin-induced fMRI model using non-noxious heat stimuli in Cynomolgus monkeys (n = 8). BOLD fMRI data were collected during thermal challenge (ON:20 s/42°C; OFF:40 s/35°C, 4-cycle) at baseline and 30 min post-capsaicin (0.1 mg, topical, forearm) application. Tail withdrawal behavioral studies were also conducted in the same animals using 42°C or 48°C water bath pre- and post- capsaicin application (0.1 mg, subcutaneous, tail). Principal Findings Group comparisons between pre- and post-capsaicin application revealed significant BOLD signal increases in brain regions associated with the ‘pain matrix’, including somatosensory, frontal, and cingulate cortices, as well as the cerebellum (paired t-test, p<0.02, n = 8), while no significant change was found after the vehicle application. The tail withdrawal behavioral study demonstrated a significant main effect of temperature and a trend towards capsaicin induced reduction of latency at both temperatures. Conclusions These findings provide insights into the specific brain regions involved with aversive, ‘pain-like’, responses in a nonhuman primate model. Future studies may employ both behavioral and fMRI measures as translational biomarkers to gain deeper understanding of pain processing and evaluate the preclinical efficacy of novel analgesics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abu Bakar Ali Asad
- Translational Biomarkers, Merck Research Laboratories, MSD, Singapore, Singapore
- * E-mail:
| | - Stephanie Seah
- Translational Biomarkers, Merck Research Laboratories, MSD, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Richard Baumgartner
- Biometrics Research, Biostatistics & Research Decision Sciences, Merck Research Laboratories, Merck & Co., Rahway, NJ, United States of America
| | - Dai Feng
- Biometrics Research, Biostatistics & Research Decision Sciences, Merck Research Laboratories, Merck & Co., Rahway, NJ, United States of America
| | - Andres Jensen
- Early Discovery Pharmacology, Merck Research Laboratories, MSD, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Brian Henry
- Early Discovery Pharmacology, Merck Research Laboratories, MSD, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Andrea Houghton
- Early Discovery Pharmacology, Merck Research Laboratories, Merck & Co., West Point, PA, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey L. Evelhoch
- Translational Biomarkers, Merck Research Laboratories, Merck & Co., West Point, PA, United States of America
| | - Stuart W. G. Derbyshire
- Dept of Psychology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- A*STAR-NUS Clinical Imaging Research Centre, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chih-Liang Chin
- Translational Biomarkers, Merck Research Laboratories, MSD, Singapore, Singapore
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16
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Differential fMRI Activation Patterns to Noxious Heat and Tactile Stimuli in the Primate Spinal Cord. J Neurosci 2015. [PMID: 26203144 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0583-15.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesoscale local functional organizations of the primate spinal cord are largely unknown. Using high-resolution fMRI at 9.4 T, we identified distinct interhorn and intersegment fMRI activation patterns to tactile versus nociceptive heat stimulation of digits in lightly anesthetized monkeys. Within a spinal segment, 8 Hz vibrotactile stimuli elicited predominantly fMRI activations in the middle part of ipsilateral dorsal horn (iDH), along with significantly weaker activations in ipsilateral (iVH) and contralateral (cVH) ventral horns. In contrast, nociceptive heat stimuli evoked widespread strong activations in the superficial part of iDH, as well as in iVH and contralateral dorsal (cDH) horns. As controls, only weak signal fluctuations were detected in the white matter. The iDH responded most strongly to both tactile and heat stimuli, whereas the cVH and cDH responded selectively to tactile versus nociceptive heat, respectively. Across spinal segments, iDH activations were detected in three consecutive segments in both tactile and heat conditions. Heat responses, however, were more extensive along the cord, with strong activations in iVH and cDH in two consecutive segments. Subsequent subunit B of cholera toxin tracer histology confirmed that the spinal segments showing fMRI activations indeed received afferent inputs from the stimulated digits. Comparisons of the fMRI signal time courses in early somatosensory area 3b and iDH revealed very similar hemodynamic stimulus-response functions. In summary, we identified with fMRI distinct segmental networks for the processing of tactile and nociceptive heat stimuli in the cervical spinal cord of nonhuman primates. Significance statement: This is the first fMRI demonstration of distinct intrasegmental and intersegmental nociceptive heat and touch processing circuits in the spinal cord of nonhuman primates. This study provides novel insights into the local functional organizations of the primate spinal cord for pain and touch, information that will be valuable for designing and optimizing therapeutic interventions for chronic pain management.
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Abstract
Wager and colleagues developed a functional MRI-based spatial and magnitude pattern for perception of acute pain, which seems to generalize across many task conditions and subjects. This is a strong demonstration of the existence of a pain signature and raises important questions regarding what pain and perception are.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Vania Apkarian
- Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Chicago Avenue, Tarry Building 5-703, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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