Glutamatergic activation of anterior cingulate cortex mediates the affective component of visceral pain memory in rats

► We measure a learned behavior reflecting the affective component of visceral pain. ► The increase of conditioning place aversion score last for 14 days. ► Bilateral pACC lesion significantly reduced CPA scores. ► Administration of non-NMDA receptor antagonist CNQX into pACC decreased CPA scores. ► The neurons in the pACC are involved in long-term negative affective state.