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Hypothalamic clock governs circadian pain
The brain’s internal clock controls daily changes in pain
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Abstract
Daily oscillations in nociceptive thresholds were observed in a mouse model of neuropathic pain.
- The master clock in the hypothalamus influences pain sensitivity through a rhythmic circuit.
- During the daytime, increased activity of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) neurons raises pain sensitivity.
- At night, decreased activity of these neurons leads to reduced pain sensitivity.
- The findings highlight a specific circuit that regulates pain patterns, which may inform chronic pain management strategies.
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