Neuroscience 2001 Abstract
| Presentation Number: | 576.9 |
|---|---|
| Abstract Title: | NOCICEPTIVE CONTROL SITES IN THE HUMAN BRAINSTEM: A FUNCTIONAL MRI STUDY. |
| Authors: |
Topolovec, J. C.*1
; Gati, J. S.2
; Menon, R. S.2
; Cechetto, D. F.1
1Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada 2John P. Robarts Research Institute, London, Canada |
| Primary Theme and Topics |
Sensory Systems - Pain -- Functional imaging, psychophysics, human behavior |
| Secondary Theme and Topics | Sensory Systems<br />- Anatomy |
| Session: |
576. Pain: imaging Slide |
| Presentation Time: | Tuesday, November 13, 2001 3:00 PM-3:15 PM |
| Location: | Room 33C |
| Keywords: | PAIN, PERIAQUEDUCTAL GRAY, NEUROIMAGING, PARABRACHIAL |
The relay of nociceptive information through the brainstem to cortical structures has been determined primarily in animals using neuroanatomical and/or electrophysiological techniques. Somatic pain sensation, primarily via peripheral C-fiber stimulation is known to relay in the parabrachial (PB) nucleus of the rostral pons and periaqueductal grey area (PAG) of the midbrain, on its way to the forebrain. This representation of nociceptive information within the brainstem has not yet been demonstrated conclusively in humans. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to demonstrate that the PB and PAG are the critical brain stem sites mediating the relay of pain information in the human. Two models of pain were used: electrical stimulation of the ulnar nerve as a model for acute pain and immersion of the left hand in ice-water as an experimental model for chronic pain. Eight subjects were scanned in a 4T functional MRI during the tasks. High resolution (1.5 mm in-plane, 3 mm thick slices) functional images were acquired in 8 shots with an acquisition time of 6 sec (TE= 10 msec). Activation in response to the painful stimulus was observed in the PAG using both methods of peripheral nociceptor activation. This study demonstrates for the first time in humans that a discrete site within the brainstem is activated by pain sensation. This site may mediate the relay of nociceptive information to the forebrain or reflex inhibition of nociceptive inputs to the spinal cord.
Supported by Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario.
Sample Citation:
[Authors]. [Abstract Title]. Program No. XXX.XX. 2001 Neuroscience Meeting Planner. San Diego, CA: Society for Neuroscience, 2001. Online.
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