The dorsal posterior insula subserves a fundamental role in human pain.

Segerdahl AR., Mezue M., Okell TW., Farrar JT., Tracey I.

Several brain regions have been implicated in human painful experiences, but none have been proven to be specific to pain. We exploited arterial spin-labeling quantitative perfusion imaging and a newly developed procedure to identify a specific role for the dorsal posterior insula (dpIns) in pain. Tract tracing studies in animals identify a similar region as fundamental to nociception, which suggests the dpIns is its human homolog and, as such, a potential therapeutic target.

DOI

10.1038/nn.3969

Type

Journal article

Journal

Nat Neurosci

Publication Date

04/2015

Volume

18

Pages

499 - 500

Keywords

Adult, Brain Mapping, Cerebral Cortex, Cerebrovascular Circulation, Female, Humans, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Male, Pain, Pain Measurement, Pain Perception, Spin Labels, Young Adult

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