Extended Data Fig. 3: Inhibition of the ACCGlu–VTA projection relieves hyperalgesia and anxiety-like behaviors in neuropathic pain.
a,b, Schematic and representative micrograph showing the retrograde labeling of ACC neurons by injection of retrograde virus (mCherry) into the VTA. Scale bar, 300 μm. Statistics are shown on the right. c, Schematic of the injection of optogenetic inhibition virus (DIO-eNpHR) into the ACC and optical fiber delivery of L-stim (589-nm yellow light) in the VTA of SNI mice. d, e, Statistics of mechanical and thermal pain responses in the chemogenetic inhibitory and control groups. (Von Frey: Control, n = 8; NpHR, n = 8 mice; Cold/Hot plate, Control, n = 12; NpHR, n = 13 mice). f, Representative AP trace of a ACCGlu neuron in response to light stimulation (589 nm). g, h Statistics of OFT (e), and EPM (f) tests in the NpHR group and controls (OFT: Control, n = 11; NpHR, n = 11; EPM: Control, n = 10; NpHR, n = 10 mice). The data are presented as the mean ± s.e.m. Unpaired Student’s t-test, *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, ***P < 0.001. Detailed statistics information can be found in the Source Data.
