Basal μ-opioid receptor availability in the amygdala predicts the inhibition of pain-related brain activity during heterotopic noxious counter-stimulation.

Highlights: [•] Anti-nociceptive effects of heterotopic noxious counter-stimulation (HNCS) were measured. [•] Basal μ-opioid receptor availability was quantified in a separate session. [•] The amplitude of somatosensory evoked potentials (P260 component) was reduced by HNCS. [•] This was associated with higher μ-opioid receptor availability in the amygdala. [•] μ-Opioid receptors in the amygdala may contribute to the anti-nociceptive effects of HNCS. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]