Attenuation of widespread hypersensitivity to noxious mechanical stimuli by inhibition of GABAergic neurons of the right amygdala in a rat model of chronic back pain.

The amygdala is a key structure involved in pain perception and modulation. The present results indicate that the GABAergic neurons of its central nucleus are involved in widespread hypersensitivity to noxious stimuli in a rat model of chronic back pain. The inhibition of amygdala GABAergic neurons may be a potential target for future interventions in patients with chronic back pain.