Persistent inflammation selectively activates opioid-sensitive phasic-firing neurons within the vlPAG
Kylie B. McPherson, Courtney A. Bouchet, Basile Coutens, Susan Ingram
Abstract
Intrinsic firing properties define four distinct vlPAG neuron populations, and a subset of each population expresses MORs coupled to GIRK channels. Persistent, but not acute, inflammation selectively activates opioid-sensitive Phasic vlPAG neurons. Although the vlPAG is known to contribute to the descending inhibition of pain, the activation of a single physiologically defined neuron type in the presence of persistent inflammation represents a mechanism by which the vlPAG participates in descending facilitation of pain.
Topics & Concepts
DAMGONeuroscienceG protein-coupled inwardly-rectifying potassium channelNeuronOpioidChemistryPremovement neuronal activityOptogeneticsOpioid receptorReceptorBiologyG proteinBiochemistryPain Mechanisms and TreatmentsNeuropeptides and Animal PhysiologyIon channel regulation and function