Responses of neurons in the primary somatosensory cortex to itch- and pain-producing stimuli in rats
Sergey G. Khasabov, Hai Truong, Victoria Rogness, Kevin D. Alloway, Donald A. Simone, Glenn J. Giesler
Abstract
Processing of information related to itch sensation at the level of cerebral cortex is not well understood. In this first single-unit electrophysiological study of pruriceptive cortical neurons, we show that neurons responsive to noxious and pruritic stimulation of the cheek of the face are concentrated in a small area of the dysgranular cortex, indicating that these neurons encode information related to itch and pain.
Topics & Concepts
Somatosensory systemNeurosciencePsychologySomatosensory evoked potentialSensory systemMedicineDermatology and Skin DiseasesOlfactory and Sensory Function StudiesCircadian rhythm and melatonin