1205-Dopamine Circuit Mechanisms Gating Chronic Pain
This research examines how dopamine pathways connecting the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) regulate chronic pain and associated emotional disorders. Using a mouse model of trigeminal neuralgia, the authors identified a hypodopaminergic state that drives both physical sensitivity and depressive behaviors. The study reveals that two distinct dopamine receptors in the OFC serve as independent functional gates: D1 receptors manage anxiety and depression, while D2 receptors control pain relief. Specifically, the OFC-LDTg circuit was found to mediate emotional…
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