Dual representation of pain in the operculo-insular cortex in humans

• DOI: 10.1093/brain/awg032
• Publication Date: 2003-01-22T01:03:11Z
• Authors: M. Frot
• Keywords: Insular cortex; Stimulus (psychology)

We report the response properties of suprasylvian opercular and insular cortices to a painful stimulation delivered by CO(2) laser recorded depth intracerebral electrodes in epileptic patients. defined two cortical areas activation operculo-insular cortex stimulation: area, where we responses peaking 140-170 ms after (N140-P170), deeper with similar pattern peaked 180-230 stimulus (N180-P230). The average delay 50 measured between may reflect either sequential then insula via corticocortical connections, or direct inputs conveyed thalamocortical projections through distinct fibres different conduction times. also hemisphere ipsilateral stimulation, 15 later than contralateral responses; this is compatible transcallosal input transmission these cortices. mean stereotactic coordinates N140-P170 N180-P230 were found be very those maximal blood-flow pain reported previous PET functional MRI studies areas. able distinguish terms latencies evoked sources responses. timing shown study thus complements time domain spatial information provided neuroimaging processing pain. It strongly suggests that are responding shortest latency peripheral human brain.