Psychiatric News (8/29) reports, “Researchers have identified and characterized a set of neurons that specifically regulate the pain-relieving effects of opioids and not their euphoric effects, according to a study.” After employing “multiple neuroscience and computational techniques to track and manipulate neuronal activity in mice that had received shots of morphine,” investigators observed “that pain relief could be controlled by an ensemble of neurons located in a region of the brainstem called the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM).” The findings were published in Science.
Related Links:
— “Researchers Identify Neurons That Regulate Opioid Analgesia Independent of Euphoria, Psychiatric News, August 29, 2024