Ventrolateral periaqueductal gray matter integrative system of defense and antinociception

Author(s)

de Mello Rosa, Gustavo Henrique ; Ullah, Farhad ; de Paiva, Yara Bezerra ; da Silva, Juliana Almeida ; Branco, Luiz Guilherme S. ; Corrado, Alexandre Pinto ; Medeiros, Priscila ; Coimbra, Norberto Cysne ; Biagioni, Audrey Franceschi

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: PFLUGERS ARCHIV-EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY; v. 474, n. 4, p. 12-pg., 2022-02-24.

Abstract

Defensive responses are neurophysiological processes crucial for survival during threatening situations. Defensive immobility is a common adaptive response, in rodents, elaborated by ventrolateral periaqueductal gray matter (vlPAG) when threat is unavoidable. It is associated with somatosensory and autonomic reactions such as alteration in the sensation of pain and rate of respiration. In this study, defensive immobility was assessed by chemical stimulation of vlPAG with different doses of NMDA (0.1, 0.3, and 0.6 nmol). After elicitation of defensive immobility, antinociceptive and respiratory response tests were also performed. Results revealed that defensive immobility was followed by a decrease in the nociceptive perception. Furthermore, the lowest dose of NMDA induced antinociceptive response without eliciting defensive immobility. During defensive immobility, respiratory responses were also disturbed. Interestingly, respiratory rate was increased and interspersed with prolonged expiratory phase of breathing. These findings suggest that vlPAG integrates three different defensive behavioral responses, contributing to the most effective defensive strategies during threatening situations. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/10313-1 - Study of nigro-tectal GABAergic pathways activity during the elaboration of defensive behaviour: role of endocannabinoid mediated neuromodulation in the caudatum putamen of the GABAergic disinhibitory neostriatum-nigral inhibitory nigro-collicular pathways
• Grantee: Juliana Almeida da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
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• Grantee: Audrey Franceschi Biagioni
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• Grantee: Audrey Franceschi Biagioni
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral