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Nociception

Nociception

Nociception—the ability to feel pain—is essential for an organism’s survival and overall well-being. Noxious stimuli such as piercing pain from a sharp object, heat from an open flame, or contact with corrosive chemicals are first detected by sensory receptors, called nociceptors, located on nerve endings. Nociceptors express ion channels that convert noxious stimuli into electrical signals. When these signals reach the brain via sensory neurons, they are perceived as pain.

The Role of Ion Channels in Neuronal Computation

The Role of Ion Channels in Neuronal Computation

A postsynaptic neuron usually receives numerous impulses from several other presynaptic neurons. The axon hillock of the postsynaptic neuron integrates all these signals and determines the likelihood of firing an action potential.
Sometimes a single EPSP is strong enough to induce an action potential in the postsynaptic neuron. However, multiple presynaptic inputs must often create EPSPs around the same time for the postsynaptic neuron to be sufficiently depolarized to fire an action potential....

Thermosensation

Thermosensation

Peripheral thermosensation is the perception of external temperature. A change in temperature (on the surface of the skin and other tissues) is detected by a family of temperature-sensitive ion channels called Transient Receptor Potential, or TRP, receptors. These receptors are located on free nerve endings. Those detecting cold temperatures are closer to the surface of the skin than the nerve endings detecting warmth. These thermoTRP channels, while temperature selective, have relatively...

Pain

Pain

Pain serves as a critical warning signal that alerts the body to potential or actual harm. When mechanical pressure on the skin is intense, such as from a sharp pinch, the sensation transitions from touch to pain. Similarly, extreme temperatures, like a hot pot handle, convert the sensation of heat into pain. Pain can also result from overstimulation of other senses, such as blinding light, loud noise, or the intense heat from habañero peppers. This ability to sense pain is essential for...

Spinal Cord: Information Processing

Spinal Cord: Information Processing

The spinal cord is an integral hub for motor and sensory information that enables the brain to communicate with the peripheral nervous system (PNS). This communication consists of relaying sensory data and transmission of motor commands.
Sensory Information Processing
Sensory information processing begins at the sensory receptors located in the skin and other tissues, which detect somatic sensory stimuli such as touch, temperature, or pain. These receptors function as catalysts, initiating...

Overview of Somatic Sensory Pathways

Overview of Somatic Sensory Pathways

Somatic sensory or somatosensory pathways refer to the neural pathways that carry information related to touch, pressure, pain, temperature, and proprioception from the skin, muscles, tendons, and joints to the brain. These pathways involve several stages of processing and integration of sensory information.
The somatosensory system is divided into three main pathways: the dorsal (or posterior) column-medial lemniscus, spinothalamic (or anterolateral), and spinocerebellar pathways.
The dorsal...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 23, 2025

In Vivo Calcium Imaging of Neuronal Ensembles in Networks of Primary Sensory Neurons in Intact Dorsal Root Ganglia

In Vivo Calcium Imaging of Neuronal Ensembles in Networks of Primary Sensory Neurons in Intact Dorsal Root Ganglia

Published on: February 10, 2023

Ventral Hippocampal CA1 Pyramidal Neurons Encode Nociceptive Information.

Yue Wang¹, Naizheng Liu¹, Longyu Ma¹

¹Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100083, China.

Neuroscience Bulletin

|July 13, 2023

Summary

The ventral hippocampus (vCA1) encodes pain signals, with specific neuron types responding differently to stimuli. Targeting vCA1 activity influences pain perception and allodynia in neuropathic pain models.

Keywords:

In vivo recording Mechanical allodynia Neural coding Nociception Ventral hippocampal CA1

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Last Updated: Jul 23, 2025

In Vivo Calcium Imaging of Neuronal Ensembles in Networks of Primary Sensory Neurons in Intact Dorsal Root Ganglia

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Published on: February 10, 2023

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Recording Network Activity in Spinal Nociceptive Circuits Using Microelectrode Arrays

Recording Network Activity in Spinal Nociceptive Circuits Using Microelectrode Arrays

Published on: February 9, 2022

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Pain Research
Computational Psychiatry

Background:

The hippocampus, a key limbic system structure, is involved in pain perception and chronicity.
The ventral hippocampal CA1 (vCA1) region is linked to negative emotions, but its role in encoding pain is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate how ventral hippocampal CA1 (vCA1) neurons encode nociceptive information.
To characterize vCA1 neuronal responses to painful stimuli in both healthy and neuropathic pain states.
To explore the functional role of vCA1 in pain perception and the development of allodynia.

Main Methods:

In vivo electrophysiological recordings in rats to analyze vCA1 pyramidal neuron activity.
Characterization of neuronal responses to plantar stimuli in naïve and neuropathic pain models.
Optogenetic and chemogenetic manipulations to assess the causal role of vCA1 in pain behaviors.

Main Results:

Identified distinct vCA1 pyramidal neuron subpopulations with inhibitory or excitatory responses to stimuli.
Observed that inhibitory neuron responses correlated with mechanical allodynia in neuropathic pain.
Found that increased theta power and theta-spike coupling in vCA1 were associated with nociceptive behaviors.

Conclusions:

vCA1 neurons play a significant role in encoding nociceptive information and modulating pain perception.
Functional heterogeneity within vCA1 contributes to the complex processing of pain stimuli.
Modulating vCA1 activity offers a potential therapeutic target for managing pain and allodynia.