Does Threat Enlarge Nociceptive Reflex Receptive Fields?

Abstract Threat-induced pain modulation can increase survival by amplifying physiological and behavioral reactions toward danger. Threat also modulate spinal nociception, suggesting engagement of endogenous top-down circuitry. A unique method to assess nociception is via reflex receptive fields (RRF) associated with the nociceptive withdrawal (NWR, a protective spinally-mediated reflex). The size RRFs be modulated circuitry enlargement related increased nociception. has been previously shown enhance but relationship between threat not investigated. present study investigated this issue in 25 healthy individuals. were determined from NWRs measured electromyography tibialis anterior following electrocutaneous stimulations. assessed during periods which participants under unpredictable painful abdominal stimulations when they threat. Results indicated that led significantly higher pain, larger NWR magnitudes. These findings imply produces changes reflexes sensitivity perception. This likely mediated enhances dorsal horn neurons enlarging ascending signals. Perspective article presents RRF results may help clarify mechanism underlining emotional