Sewell, S. B. | bioRxiv Science

bioRxiv2025

Central Amygdala Neuronal Ensembles Coordinate Visceral Pain and Its Affective Behaviors

Visceral pain and its affective component associated with cystitis remain poorly understood. Here, we delineate the role of central amygdala (CeA) neuronal ensembles in encoding and modulating cystitis-induced bladder pain and its affective components. Utilizing a multidisciplinary approach combining behavioral assays, optogenetic manipulations, whole-cell electrophysiology, and activity-dependent genetic labeling, we identified functionally discrete CeA subpopulations that are selectively recruited during bladder inflammation. Bidirectional optogenetic modulation of these ensembles produced opposing effects on nocifensive and anxiety-like behaviors, indicating their causal involvement. Single-nucleus RNA sequencing of FosTRAP-labeled neurons revealed distinct transcriptional signatures associated with inflammatory activation. Integrating electrophysiological and transcriptomic data, we demonstrate that cystitis drives cell type-specific adaptations in CeA circuits. These findings provide mechanistic insight and uncover a molecularly and functionally defined CeA ensemble that orchestrates the sensory and affective dimensions of visceral pain.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2021

Cellular, Circuit and Transcriptional Framework for Modulation of Itch in the Central Amygdala

Itch is an unpleasant sensation that elicits robust scratching and active avoidance. However, the identity of the cells and neural circuits that organize this information remains elusive. Here we show the necessity and sufficiency of itch-activated neurons in the central amygdala (CeA) for both itch sensation and active avoidance. Further, we show that itch-activated CeA neurons play important roles in itch-related comorbidities, including anxiety-like behaviors, but not in some aversive and appetitive behaviors previously ascribed to CeA neurons. RNA-sequencing of itch-activated CeA neurons identified several differentially expressed genes as well as potential key signaling pathways in regulating pruritis. Finally, viral tracing experiments demonstrate that these neurons send a critical projection to the periaqueductal gray to mediate modulation of itch. These findings reveal a cellular and circuit signature of CeA neurons orchestrating behavioral and affective responses to pruritus in mice.

neuroscience↗