The indirect pathway of the nucleus accumbens shell amplifies neuropathic pain

Nat Neurosci. 2016 Feb;19(2):220-2. doi: 10.1038/nn.4199. Epub 2015 Dec 21.

Abstract

We examined adaptations in nucleus accumbens (NAc) neurons in mouse and rat peripheral nerve injury models of neuropathic pain. Injury selectively increased excitability of NAc shell indirect pathway spiny projection neurons (iSPNs) and altered their synaptic connectivity. Moreover, injury-induced tactile allodynia was reversed by inhibiting and exacerbated by exciting iSPNs, indicating that they not only participated in the central representation of pain, but gated activity in ascending nociceptive pathways.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Analgesics / pharmacology
  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / therapeutic use
  • Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials
  • Female
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Naproxen / pharmacology
  • Neural Pathways / metabolism
  • Neural Pathways / physiopathology*
  • Neuralgia / metabolism
  • Neuralgia / physiopathology*
  • Neuralgia / psychology
  • Neurons / pathology
  • Nucleus Accumbens / anatomy & histology*
  • Nucleus Accumbens / metabolism
  • Nucleus Accumbens / physiopathology*
  • Pain Measurement
  • Peripheral Nerve Injuries / physiopathology
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Social Behavior
  • Synapses / pathology

Substances

  • Analgesics
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Naproxen