Neuroscience 2003 Abstract
| Presentation Number: | 261.13 |
|---|---|
| Abstract Title: | Neural network activation detected by fMRI during evaluation of pain sensation. |
| Authors: |
Kong, J.*1
; Gollub, R. L.1
1Psychiatric Neuroimaging, MGH Psychiatry, Charlestown, MA |
| Primary Theme and Topics |
Sensory Systems - Pain -- Functional imaging, psychophysics, human behavior |
| Session: |
261. Human Psychophysics & Imaging Poster |
| Presentation Time: | Sunday, November 9, 2003 1:00 PM-2:00 PM |
| Location: | Morial Convention Center - Hall F-I, Board # D64 |
| Keywords: | enteroception, BOLD, noxious stimulus |
Functional neuroimaging studies have repeatedly demonstrated widespread neural activation in response to adminstration of noxious stimuli. Many of these brain regions, such as prefrontal cortex and cerebellum, are not part of the presumed functional anatomy of pain perception. In this study we designed an experimental paradigm to test the hypothesis that some brain regions are activated during pain administration because they support the cognitive processes involved in the evaluation of the painful stimulus. To date six subjects have completed this 3T fMRI event-related imaging study that is approved by the MGH IRB. The data has been analyzed with SPM 2B using a random effects model. Preliminary analysis of the first half of the planned cohort has been performed and the results confirm our hypothesis. Using the contrast between stimulus trials that required subjects to rate the intensity of the stimulus as compared to trials in which they performed a matched target detection task, significantly increased BOLD signal changes (threshold set to voxel p<0.001 uncorrected and cluster level p < 0.005 corrected for 20 contiguous voxels) were found bilaterally in the anterior insula/frontal operculum, peri-aquaductal gray, parahippocampus, cognitive subdivision of the anterior cingulate, medial frontal cortex (SMA), and occipital corticies (BA 18, 19). We also observed contralateral signal increases in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and thalamus (VPL & LP), midline and ipsilateral anterior lobe (IV) of cerebellum. Importantly, we found that a subset of the brain regions that support pain perception (e.g. anterior insula/frontal operculum, thalamus) are also active during the evaluation process, consistent with the interpretation that the individual needs to re-experience the painful sensation to perform the evaluation. We believe this is enteroceptive imagery, analogous to what has been shown for other primary sensory modalities.
Supported by Dana Foundation, HMS Osher Institute, and NCCAM
Sample Citation:
[Authors]. [Abstract Title]. Program No. XXX.XX. 2003 Neuroscience Meeting Planner. New Orleans, LA: Society for Neuroscience, 2003. Online.
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