Supraspinal Control of Chronic Pain

We are establishing the mechanisms by which Sphingosine-1-Phosphate and its cognate receptors can impact intrinsic and synaptic mechanisms within molecularly-defined CeA neuron subpopulations that integrate the discriminative and emotional components of chronic pain. Our studies have the potential to show that S1PR1 activation of these neurons, perhaps with an immunomodulatory (not immunotoxic) drug that is already FDA-approved (fingolimod), can rapidly translate to the clinical treatment of chronic pain.

Serotonergic neurons in the rostral ventromedial medulla in the brainstem express μ-opioid receptor. 
RMg = nucleus raphé magnus. py = pyramidal tracts.

Serotonergic neurons in the rostral ventromedial medulla in the brainstem express μ-opioid receptor.
RMg = nucleus raphé magnus. py = pyramidal tracts.


Supraspinal rvm fos 4panel

Neural activation, measured by Fos expression, in μ-opioid receptor- and PKCδ-expressing neurons in the central nucleus of the amygdala during reinstatement of latent sensitization.