Nitric Oxide in the Hypnotizability-Related Interoception: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychophysiology

Background:

• Interoception, the sense of the body's internal state, involves processing visceral signals within the central nervous system.
• Individual differences in hypnotizability correlate with interoceptive accuracy and sensitivity.
• These correlations may stem from variations in insula gray matter volume and nitric oxide availability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the role of hypnotizability-related nitric oxide availability in interoception.
• To examine the implications for physiological and pathological conditions.
• To assess the potential of hypnotic assessment as a predictor for interoception-focused therapies.

Main Methods:

• This is a theoretical review, synthesizing existing research.
• It examines the neurobiological underpinnings of interoception and hypnotizability.
• Focuses on the role of nitric oxide in peripheral and central nervous system functions.

Main Results:

• Hypnotizability may be linked to nitric oxide availability in the brain and arteries.
• This link could significantly impact interoceptive processing.
• Altered interoception is implicated in conditions like emotional dysregulation, sleep disturbances, eating disorders, and cardiovascular disease.

Conclusions:

• Nitric oxide availability, modulated by hypnotizability, is a key factor in interoception.
• Understanding this relationship offers insights into various physiological and pathological states.
• Hypnotic assessment may predict therapeutic success for interventions targeting interoception.