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The Role of the Insular Cortex in Pain
1Department of Biological Applications and Technology, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|March 29, 2023
Summary
Chronic pain involves brain changes, particularly in the insular cortex, affecting pain perception and related disorders. Further research is needed to clarify the insula
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pain Research
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Chronic pain involves brain alterations affecting pain perception and comorbidities.
- The insular cortex shows consistent activation in both normal and chronic pain states.
- The precise mechanisms of insular involvement in pain perception remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of insular cortex function in pain perception.
- To summarize human study findings on the insula's role in pain.
- To review preclinical models and insular connectivity in pain.
Main Methods:
- Review of human neuroimaging studies on insular cortex activation.
- Analysis of preclinical experimental models investigating insular function in pain.
- Examination of insular cortex connectivity with other brain regions.
Main Results:
- The insular cortex is a key area in both normal and chronic pain processing.
- Functional changes in the insula contribute significantly to the development of chronic pain.
- Connectivity patterns of the insula offer insights into pain mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- The insular cortex plays a critical role in normal and pathological pain sensation.
- Understanding insular mechanisms is vital for addressing chronic pain and its comorbidities.
- Further investigation into the insula's role in pain chronicity and associated disorders is warranted.
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