Hypothalamic clock governs circadian pain - PubMed
5 hours ago
- #chronic pain
- #hypothalamus
- #circadian rhythm
- Chronic pain in humans shows circadian rhythms, but the mechanisms were unclear.
- A mouse model of neuropathic pain revealed daily oscillations in nociceptive thresholds.
- The rhythmic circuit involves the master clock in the hypothalamus and the descending analgesia system.
- During the daytime (resting phase), higher VIP neuronal activity in the SCN increases pain sensitivity via the PVN and vlPAG.
- At night (active phase), reduced SCNVIP neuronal activity decreases pain sensitivity.
- This study identifies a circuit regulating pain rhythmicity, offering potential targets for chronic pain management.