N-Methyl-d-Aspartate Receptor Agonism and Antagonism Within the Amygdaloid Central Nucleus Suppresses Pain Affect: Differential Contribution of the Ventrolateral Periaqueductal Gray

The amygdala contributes to production of the emotional dimension of pain. NMDA receptor agonism and antagonism within the CeA suppressed rats' emotional response to acute painful stimulation. Understanding the neurobiology underlying emotional responses to pain will provide insights into new treatments for pain and its associated affective disorders.