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Ventrolateral periaqueductal gray matter integrative system of defense and antinociception.
- Source :
-
Pflugers Archiv : European journal of physiology [Pflugers Arch] 2022 Apr; Vol. 474 (4), pp. 469-480. Date of Electronic Publication: 2022 Feb 24. - Publication Year :
- 2022
-
Abstract
- Defensive responses are neurophysiological processes crucial for survival during threatening situations. Defensive immobility is a common adaptive response, in rodents, elaborated by ventrolateral periaqueductal gray matter (vlPAG) when threat is unavoidable. It is associated with somatosensory and autonomic reactions such as alteration in the sensation of pain and rate of respiration. In this study, defensive immobility was assessed by chemical stimulation of vlPAG with different doses of NMDA (0.1, 0.3, and 0.6 nmol). After elicitation of defensive immobility, antinociceptive and respiratory response tests were also performed. Results revealed that defensive immobility was followed by a decrease in the nociceptive perception. Furthermore, the lowest dose of NMDA induced antinociceptive response without eliciting defensive immobility. During defensive immobility, respiratory responses were also disturbed. Interestingly, respiratory rate was increased and interspersed with prolonged expiratory phase of breathing. These findings suggest that vlPAG integrates three different defensive behavioral responses, contributing to the most effective defensive strategies during threatening situations.<br /> (© 2022. The Author(s).)
- Subjects :
- Humans
Pain
Periaqueductal Gray
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1432-2013
- Volume :
- 474
- Issue :
- 4
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Pflugers Archiv : European journal of physiology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 35201425
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s00424-022-02672-0