Effects of thalamic nucleus submedius lesions on the tail flick reflex inhibition evoked by hindlimb electrical stimulation in the rat.

Bilateral electrolytic lesions of the thalamic nucleus submedius (Sm) facilitated the TF reflex and attenuated the antinociception evoked by hindlimb electrical stimulation with high intensities in lightly anaesthetized rats. However, the antinociception produced by low intensity hindlimb stimulation was unchanged, except that the after-effect was reduced. The results show that the Sm is probably involved in pain modulation and plays an important role in mediation of the antinociception elicited by high intensity peripheral stimulation.