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Distraction modulates anterior cingulate gyrus activations during the cold pressor test
U N Frankenstein1, W Richter, M C McIntyre
1Institute for Biodiagnostics, National Research Council Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Neuroimage
|September 14, 2001
Summary
Distraction from pain reduces perceived intensity by decreasing anterior cingulate gyrus (ACG) activation in specific regions while increasing it in others. This neuroimaging study reveals distinct ACG subregional responses to pain and distraction.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- The anterior cingulate gyrus (ACG) is involved in attention and pain processing.
- Distinct ACG subregions may respond to cognitive demands versus painful stimuli.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how distraction affects ACG subregional activation during pain.
- To test the hypothesis that distraction decreases pain-related ACG activation and increases distraction-task-related ACG activation.
Main Methods:
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to measure brain activity.
- Twelve subjects underwent the cold pressor test (CPT), a verbal attention task (VAT), and a distraction task (DT).
- Voxel-wise analysis using a general linear model (SPM99) identified specific ACG activations.
Main Results:
- A pain-specific cluster was identified in ACG subregion BA24'.
- Distraction task (DT) decreased activation in BA24' compared to CPT.
- DT increased activation in ACG subregions BA32/32' compared to CPT.
Conclusions:
- Distinct anterior cingulate gyrus subregions are modulated by pain and attentional distraction.
- Reduced pain perception during distraction correlates with specific patterns of ACG activation.