Continuous Descending Modulation of the Spinal Cord Revealed by Functional MRI

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0167317
• Publication Date: 2016-12-01T14:15:08Z
• Authors: Patrick W. Stroman; Rachael L. Bosma; Andreea I. Cotoi; Roxanne H. Leung; Jennifer Kornelsen; Jane M. Lawrence-...; Caroline F. Pukall; Roland Staud
• Keywords: Stimulus (psychology); Sensory stimulation therapy

Spontaneous variations in spinal cord activity may arise from regulation of any a number functions including sensory, motor, and autonomic control. Here, we use functional MRI (fMRI) healthy participants to identify properties blood oxygenation-level dependent (BOLD) the response knowledge that either noxious stimulus is impending, or no be expected. Expectation stimulus, shown have significant effect on wide-spread BOLD signal over entire time period fMRI acquisition. Coordination responses between/within brainstem regions are also influenced by this knowledge. We provide evidence such result continuous descending modulation function. stimulation hand shown, as previous studies. The observation both reactive emotional/cognitive factors peripheral important implications, not only for our understanding endogenous pain modulation, but showing under regulatory