Modulatory role of the orexin system in stress‐induced analgesia: Involvement of the ventral tegmental area

Abstract

Exposure to stressful experiences is often accompanied by suppressing pain perception, referred to as stress‐induced analgesia. The neuropeptides orexins are essential in regulating the mechanism that responds to stressful and painful stimuli. Meanwhile, the ventral tegmental area (VTA), as a part of descending pain inhibitory system, responds to noxious stimuli. This study aimed to investigate the role of intra‐VTA administration of orexin receptor antagonists on stress‐induced antinociceptive responses in the animal model of acute pain.