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Published on: June 10, 2013
Lateral Habenula and Its Potential Roles in Pain and Related Behaviors
Danqing Dai1,2,3, Wanrong Li1,2,3, Aiwen Chen1,2,3
1Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, No. 1481, Xinshi North Road, Shanghai 200434, China.
Abstract:
The lateral habenula (LHb) is a tiny structure that acts as a hub, relaying signals from the limbic forebrain structures and basal ganglia to the brainstem modulatory area. Facilitated by updated knowledge and more precise manipulation of circuits, the progress in figuring out the neural circuits and functions of the LHb has increased dramatically over the past decade. Importantly, LHb is found to play an integrative role and has profound effects on a variety of behaviors associated with pain, including depression-like and anxiety-like behaviors, antireward or aversion, aggression, defensive behavior, and substance use disorder. Thus, LHb is a potential target for improving pain management and related disorders. In this review, we focused on the functions, related circuits, and neurotransmissions of the LHb in pain processing and related behaviors. A comprehensive understanding of the relationship between the LHb and pain will help to find new pain treatments.
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