Research progress on studies on the vlPAG in pain modulation and electroacupuncture analgesia

The ventrolateral periaqueductal gray , located within the midbrain, is a brain region implicated in various physiological and pathological processes, including pain modulation. This area integrates nociceptive signals from multiple brain regions such as the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hypothalamus, and inhibits nociceptive input through descending pathways. It is also involved in the analgesic effects of electroacupuncture. This review summarizes and analyzes the role of this area in pain modulation and electroacupuncture-induced analgesia, offering insights into the central mechanisms underlying pain and electroacupuncture analgesia, as well as providing recommendations for future basic and clinical research.