Nucleus accumbens facilitates nociception.

We have previously demonstrated an opioid link in nucleus accumbens (NAc) that mediates antinociception produced by a novel ascending pain modulation pathway. For example, noxious stimulation induces heterosegmental antinociception that is mediated by both mu- and delta-opioid receptors in NAc. However, spinal intrathecal administration of the mu-receptor agonist [D-Ala(2), N-Me-Phe(4),Gly(5)-ol]-enkephalin (DAMGO) also induces heterosegmental antinociception. The aim of the present study in the rat was to identify the intra-NAc opioid receptors that mediate the antinociceptive effects of spinally administered DAMGO and also to determine the effect of NAc efferent activity on nociception. Intra-NAc administration of either the mu-opioid receptor antagonist Cys(2),Tyr(3), Orn(5),Pen(7)amide (CTOP) or the delta-opioid receptor antagonist naltrindole blocked the antinociceptive effect of spinally administered DAMGO on the jaw-opening reflex (JOR). Injection of quaternary lidocaine (QX-314) attenuated the JOR, suggesting that the output of NAc is pronociceptive. In support of this, intra-NAc injection of the excitatory amino acid agonist kainate enhanced the JOR. Thus, it is possible to modulate activity in NAc to bidirectionally attenuate or enhance nociception, suggesting a potential role for NAc in setting nociceptive sensitivity.