Multidimensional analysis of longitudinal mechanical stimulus-induced fMRI in Mice of both sexes

Motivation: Acute postsurgical pain remains difficult to treat and may result in complications including chronic pain and increased use of opioids if insufficiently controlled. Goal(s): A better understanding of the mechanisms inducing and maintaining these pain states is critical in both sexes. Approach: Longitudinal task fMRI was performed with two different mechanical stimulations in male and female mice following acute incision pain (INC) compared to sham-treated animals. Results: Our mixed-method analysis approach identifies INC-regulated brain regions and highlights divergent mechanical pain processing in mice of both sexes. Impact: Our mixed-method analysis approach integrating the general linear model analysis combined with principal component analysis and analysis of functional connectivity provides deep insights into CNS plasticity during incision-induced pain and provides detailed information on relevant brain regions and interaction patterns.