Improved Efficiency and Sensitivity Analysis of 3-D Agent-based Model for Pain-related Neural Activity in the Amygdala.

Neuropathic pain is caused by nerve injury and involves brain areas such as the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA). We developed the first 3-D agent-based model (ABM) of neuropathic pain-related neurons in the CeA using NetLogo3D. The execution time of a single ABM simulation using realistic parameters (e.

Developing a 3-D computational model of neurons in the central amygdala to understand pharmacological targets for pain.

Neuropathic and nociplastic pain are major causes of pain and involve brain areas such as the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA). Within the CeA, neurons expressing protein kinase c-delta (PKCδ) or somatostatin (SST) have opposing roles in pain-like modulation. In this manuscript, we describe our progress towards developing a 3-D computational model of PKCδ and SST neurons in the CeA and the use of this model to explore the pharmacological targeting of these two neural populations in modulating nociception.