Class
Article
College
College of Science
Department
Biology Department
Faculty Mentor
Erin Bobeck
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract
The endogenous opioid system, consisting of three neuropeptides and canonical receptors, is ubiquitously expressed throughout the brain and is heavily involved in modulating pain[1]. However, research has placed tremendous focus on investigating the receptors of this system, and less attention has been devoted to the peptides. One such opioid peptide, enkephalin, is notably absent within the pain center of the brain, the periaqueductal gray (PAG)[2]. To further understand the role enkephalins play in modulating pain, we aimed to target and activate specific enkephalin-containing neurons that connect to the PAG. By activating these enkephalinergic projections, we hypothesized that this would lead to increased release of enkephalin into the PAG, providing enhanced antinociception, or pain relief. With the use of advanced techniques such as retrograde tracing and chemogenic approaches (i.e. DREADDs), we aimed to elucidate the role enkephalin plays in modulating pain and begin characterizing the enkephalin neural circuitry within the brain.
Location
Logan, UT
Start Date
4-8-2025 11:30 AM
End Date
4-8-2025 12:20 PM
Included in
Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Structural Biology Commons, Biology Commons, Neuroscience and Neurobiology Commons
Activation of Enkephalinergic Neurons Modulate Pain Within the Brain
Logan, UT
The endogenous opioid system, consisting of three neuropeptides and canonical receptors, is ubiquitously expressed throughout the brain and is heavily involved in modulating pain[1]. However, research has placed tremendous focus on investigating the receptors of this system, and less attention has been devoted to the peptides. One such opioid peptide, enkephalin, is notably absent within the pain center of the brain, the periaqueductal gray (PAG)[2]. To further understand the role enkephalins play in modulating pain, we aimed to target and activate specific enkephalin-containing neurons that connect to the PAG. By activating these enkephalinergic projections, we hypothesized that this would lead to increased release of enkephalin into the PAG, providing enhanced antinociception, or pain relief. With the use of advanced techniques such as retrograde tracing and chemogenic approaches (i.e. DREADDs), we aimed to elucidate the role enkephalin plays in modulating pain and begin characterizing the enkephalin neural circuitry within the brain.