Targeting the Insular Cortex for Neuropathic Pain Modulation: Insights into Synaptic and Neuronal Mechanisms

Overview

Journal FASEB J

Date 2025 Jan 20

PMID 39831885

Authors

Kyeongmin Kim

Guanghai Nan

Hee Young Kim

Myeounghoon Cha

Bae Hwan Lee

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Neuropathic pain, caused by nerve damage, greatly affects quality of life. Recent research proposes modulating brain activity, particularly through electrical stimulation of the insular cortex (IC), as a treatment option. This study aimed to understand how IC stimulation (ICS) affects pain modulation. In a rat neuropathy model, researchers used optogenetic and ICS techniques to evaluate changes in mechanical allodynia and synaptic changes, focusing on glutamate receptors (AMPAR, NR2A, NR2B). Optogenetic inhibition of IC neurons relieved pain without altering synaptic plasticity. However, repetitive ICS combined with optogenetic activation diminished the pain-relieving effects of ICS and increased AMPAR and NR2B receptor levels. Additionally, activating inhibitory neurons also reduced pain, while repetitive activation of excitatory neurons lessened the effectiveness of ICS and was associated with heightened receptor expression. These findings suggest that inhibiting excitatory neurons or activating inhibitory neurons in the IC could help modulate pain in neuropathic conditions, shedding light on how ICS can influence pain management through changes in synaptic plasticity.

Citing Articles

Targeting the insular cortex for neuropathic pain modulation: Insights into synaptic and neuronal mechanisms.

Kim K, Nan G, Kim H, Cha M, Lee B FASEB J. 2025; 39(2):e70285.

PMID: 39831885 PMC: 11745213. DOI: 10.1096/fj.202402381R.

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