Cortical representation of pain by stable dedicated neurons and dynamic ensembles

• DOI: 10.1101/2020.11.02.364778
• Publication Date: 2020-11-04T01:20:16Z
• Authors: Mario A. Acuña; Fernando Kasanetz; Paolo De Luna; Thomas Nevian
• Keywords: Cingulate cortex; Calcium imaging

Abstract The perception of pain arises from distributed brain activity triggered by noxious stimuli. However, which patterns make nociception distinct other salient sensory experiences is still unknown. Using in vivo chronic two-photon calcium imaging slightly anaesthetized mice, we identified a nociception-specific representation the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), that attained core neurons code for generalized concept experience. overall ensemble allowed an efficient discrimination space, despite drift single-neuron tuning over time. Following sciatic nerve lesion, nociceptive stimuli was impaired as consequence innocuous expanded into ensemble, leading to dysfunctional events ACC. Thus, hallmark at cortical neuronal network level impairment pattern separation and classification identifying circuit mechanism altered processing brain.