P.185 Nx4 influences stress-induced activity of the anterior cingulate cortex and associated brain regions

Abstract

The peripheral sympathetic nervous system consists of functionally distinct preganglionic-postganglionic channels that are involved in the regulation of various body functions by the brain. During nociception and pain the sympathetic systems are involved in the regulation of several reactions to protect the body tissues against injury from outside as well as from inside of the body. Under pathophysiological conditions such as tissue trauma with or without nerve lesion the sympathetic nervous system may be involved in the generation of pain and nociception. Now activity in the peripheral sympathetic neurons may lead to activation of nociceptive and non-nociceptive primary afferent neurons or may further inflammatory reactions which result in chronic pain. Multiple mechanisms underlie these pathophysiological processes.