Biology subjects

Mugglestone, S.

Publications and source records attributed to Mugglestone, S..

4 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Nociceptive-evoked electroencephalography can predict inter-individual differences in high frequency induced sensitisation of central nociceptive pathways: A test-retest reliability study

Evoked-EEG can capture changes in cortical responses during experimentally induced sensitised pain states. However, the test-retest reliability of such methods requires validation. The present study applied HFS across two identical sessions in the same individuals to assess the test-retest reliability of EEG dynamics evoked by a 128mN pin-prick stimulator and single-pulse electrical stimuli before and after HFS conditioning. The value of these features for reflecting individual differences in the development of hyperalgesia was also assessed. Results demonstrate poor-to-moderate test-retest reliability and relatively wide agreement at baseline for all features, with lateralised differences often present. This was further reduced when post-HFS changes were considered. -ERD assessed from contralateral central electrodes was significantly strengthened post-HFS for both electrical and pinprick stimuli, consistent with increased sensorimotor engagement in response to hyperalgesic and non-hyperalgesic stimuli. Notably, baseline -ERD was related to the subsequent time course of SHA development. Furthermore, whilst VP magnitude displayed a significant relationship with the general intensity of perceived pain, no specificity for SHA development was evident. Alternatively, {theta}-ERS captured a general habituation effect relative to variations in reported pain intensity between sessions for both stimuli modalities. These findings indicate that evoked EEG responses may be useful for investigating individual differences in the cortical processing of acute pain and the development time course of HFS-induced sensitivity yet may not possess sufficient test-retest reliability for interventional testing.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2026

Intra-individual changes to peak alpha frequency map to pain perception following high frequency sensitisation of central nociceptive pathways: A test-retest reliability study

Resting-state EEG can capture cortical dynamics relevant to sensitised pain states in the absence of ongoing nociceptive engagement. However, whilst the slowing of global oscillations is evident within various chronic pain conditions, the mechanistic specificity of PAF and -band power remains uncertain. Therefore, the present study assessed these features across two identical test-retest sessions in which HFS was applied to induce the development of SHA as characterised through 128 mN MPS. Crucially, changes in -band features post-HFS were investigated. Blind source separation was also applied to identify independent sensorimotor components relevant to nociception and assess their test-retest reliability. Results demonstrated good test-retest reliability for sensor-level data at baseline, with inter-individual changes in global PAF reflecting MPS post-HFS. However, no specific regional driver of this signal was evident. Alternatively, components identified through sensorimotor template matching revealed a significant influence of -band power on MPS both at baseline and post-HFS. However, only a small number of these components genuinely localised to pre- or post-central gyri, and test-retest reliability of -band power was poor. Together, these findings indicate that resting-state EEG may be useful for tracking changes in cortical -band oscillations alongside the development of pain sensitivity. However, methods of sensorimotor component identification evidenced limited agreement and global PAF slowing could not be linked to a specific electrode grouping.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2026

Temporal changes in mechanical pin prick sensitivity following high frequency induced sensitisation of central nociceptive pathways: a test re-test reliability study

High-frequency stimulation (HFS) is a human surrogate model of secondary hyperalgesia and a key experimental tool for understanding the mechanisms and modulation of central nociceptive pathways. An emerging area of research focuses on the role of top-down endogenous analgesic systems during secondary hyperalgesia development. However, the test-retest reliability of the early temporal changes in sensitivity are poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the between-session reliability of the early temporal dynamics and late-phase expression of HFS-induced changes in mechanical pinprick sensitivity in a heterotopic area on the volar forearm in 28 healthy participants across five time points relative to HFS conditioning: -15, 5, 20, 35, and 50 minutes. Homotopic changes in single-pulse electrically evoked responses were also assessed although no primary hyperalgesia was evident. Baseline conditioned pain modulation (CPM), temporal summation of pain (TSP), and state-trait anxiety (STAI) were also assessed to investigate potential influences on heterotopic and homotopic responses. The present findings demonstrate the consistent induction of mechanical pinprick secondary hyperalgesia by the end of the HFS window (50 minutes) across repeated test session. However, a distinct reduction in the development of sensitivity was present during session 2. Furthermore, pain during HFS conditioning, anxiety, CPM, and TSP demonstrated no influence on secondary hyperalgesia development and were inadequate to explain between-session variance. These results suggest that careful planning around experimental designs, and the counterbalancing of experimental conditions should be considered when investigating modulating factors over the development of secondary hyperalgesia. Further research into factors influencing habituation across sessions is needed. PerspectiveHigh-Frequency Stimulation evokes mechanical secondary hyperalgesia across repeated sessions; however, sensitivity development is diminished, and unexplained by pain intensity during HFS conditioning, anxiety, or cuff algometry CPM and TSP.

physiology↗

bioRxiv2025

Multi-focal ultrasound neuromodulation to the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex disrupts behavioural and neural pain processing

Transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) is a promising non-invasive technique for modulating deep brain regions involved in pain. TUS applied to the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC), a region implicated in chronic pain and established target for deep brain stimulation, has shown potential for reducing pain. This study aimed to investigate the neural mechanisms underlying TUS effects on pain in healthy participants using neuroimaging. Thirty-two participants underwent two double-blind, randomised TUS-fMRI sessions (active or sham). A tonic cold stimulus was applied during multifocal dACC-TUS and during fMRI and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) blocks. While no significant main effect of TUS on pain intensity was observed, active TUS showed a significantly greater reduction in pain ratings between 28- and 55-minutes post-stimulation, suggesting a delayed analgesic effect. Active TUS also disrupted the typical relationship between stimulus temperature and reported pain intensity, indicating altered sensory encoding. There was increased functional connectivity between the dACC and the supplementary motor area, pre-motor cortex, mid-ACC and the supramarginal gyrus, along with decreased coupling with the periaqueductal grey (PAG), and altered salience network connectivity. Overall, these findings suggest TUS to the dACC has multidimensional effects across behavioural and neural aspects of pain processing, supporting its potential therapeutic value.

neuroscience↗