PainRelief.com: What are the main findings?

Response: We developed a behavioral test that mimics placebo pain relief in mice, allowing us to explore the neural mechanisms behind placebo analgesia. Using this model, we discovered a specific brain pathway crucial to this process. This pathway involves neurons in the rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC) that send signals to the pontine nucleus (Pn), a brain region not previously associated with pain relief. These neurons become more active when there is an expectation of pain relief. Blocking this pathway eliminated the placebo effect, while activating it provided pain relief even without the placebo effect. Additionally, we found that Purkinje cells in the cerebellum also show increased activity during the expectation of pain relief. This provides the first cellular-level evidence that the cerebellum is involved in placebo analgesia and cognitive pain modulation.

PainRelief.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Response: Readers should understand that the mind has a powerful influence over how we experience pain.

Our findings emphasize the importance of expectations and cognitive processes in pain management. By identifying the specific brain circuits involved in the placebo effect, we open the door to new, non-pharmacological approaches to pain relief. This could lead to treatments that harness the brain’s natural pain-relief mechanisms, potentially reducing the need for opioid

medications and their associated risks.

PainRelief.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Response: Future research should continue to explore the rACC-ponto-cerebellar pathway we identified, as well as investigate other potential neural circuits involved in how the brain modulates pain.

Additionally, studies should focus on translating these findings into practical clinical applications,
such as developing drugs or neuromodulation techniques to activate this pathway for pain relief.
Researchers could also examine how individual differences, such as genetic factors, influence
the strength of the placebo effect, which could lead to more personalized pain management
strategies.

PainRelief.com: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Response: We would like to acknowledge the dedicated efforts of our research team and collaborators who made this study possible. We also appreciate the support from our funding agencies and institutions. We hope that our findings will inspire further research into the complex interactions between the mind and body, ultimately leading to more effective pain treatments.

Citation: Chen, C., Niehaus, J.K., Dinc, F. et al. Neural circuit basis of placebo pain relief. Nature (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07816-z

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Last Updated on August 5, 2024 by PainRelief.com