Distinct supraspinal neural pathways underlie licking-induced alleviation of pain sensation and aversion in male mice

Cell Reports 2026 Open access

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Authors: Hao-Di Tang, Hong-Bin Wang, Yuncheng Luo, Rong Luo, Jiao Jiao, Yao Jia-xin, Fan Zhang, Li-Mei Yi, Xin Li, Fan Lei, Xia Zhang, Tao Zhu
+1 more Ruotian Jiang
DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2026.117363
Cited by: 1
References: 48

Abstract

ZI) neuronal ensembles are efferent to the hindlimb region of the primary somatosensory cortex (S1HL) and the ventral tegmental area (VTA), which regulate the sensory and affective components of licking-induced analgesia, respectively. These findings unveil critical cross-modal supraspinal pathways that enable tactile input to differentially regulate the sensory and affective components of nociception.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Pain Mechanisms and Treatments Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior Neuropeptides and Animal Physiology

Publication details

Journal / source
Cell Reports
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Volume
45
Issue
5
Pages
117363–117363
Publication date
1 May 2026
Language
EN