Circuits for affective touch sensation
Short description
How can tactile signals give rise to a feeling of pain, pleasure or relief? With, among other things, optical methodology, we look at activity in brain circuits that convey affective aspects of touch.
Although the knowledge gained on affective touch has been substantial in recent years, crucial questions remain regarding the circuits underpinning these sensations.
We use so called fiber photometry to optically record neural activity in genetically defined cells in deep brain areas. This method combines optic mechanic designs with viral technologies that carries calcium dependent fluorescent markers of activity. With this approach we can observe real time activity of specified neural events during behavioral measurements in freely moving mice. Our focus is on investigating the neural substrates important for affective touch processes with particular relevance for pain relief.
Group members
- Line Löken, PhD, Principal Investigator
- Sara Simfors, Doctoral Student
- Alexander Stjernvall, Teaching assistant
- Martin Hezsö, Teaching assistant
