Brain Stem Circuits for Pain Regulation and Resolution
By studying the influence of social and learning-related modulation on these circuits in both humans and animal models, the project seeks to identify key mechanisms and pathways that can be targeted to promote pain resolution.
Background
The plasticity of brain stem circuits centered around the periaqueductal gray, the PAG, which we see here play an important role in chronic pain. There is evidence that acute pain is modulated by emotional and social factors and cognitive processes such as learning. Importantly, social factors and learning are assumed to contribute to the initiation and persistance of chronic pain. However, the neural circuits underpinning these modulations remain to be elucidated.
Research Objective
In this new project of the clinical research group we aim to investigate top-down social modulation and learning-related plasticity of brainstem circuits in acute and chronic pain, using 7 Tesla high-field imaging in healthy participants, reinforcement learning modeling in CRPS and FMS patients, and modern circuit-specific approaches in mice. Specifically we address:
The social and learning-related modulation of pain processing in PAG and co-activated brain across species,
Pain extinction learning in two different chronic pain conditions, namely complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS).
Significance
Understanding how brain stem circuits, particularly those of the PAG, contribute to pain modulation and resolution can open new avenues for therapeutic interventions. This project aims to clarify the role of social factors and learning mechanisms in influencing chronic pain outcomes. Its translational approach, integrating human and animal research, will provide a comprehensive framework for developing personalized strategies to treat chronic pain and improve patient quality of life.
Research Team P4
Principal investigators
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Grit Hein
Translational Social Neuroscience Unit, Department of Psychiatry
University Hospital Würzburg
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Philip Tovote
Institute of Clinical Neurobiology
University Hospital Würzburg