The Effects of Facilitation and Inhibition During Multimodal Somatosensory Integration
10.16476/j.pibb.2024.0356
- VernacularTitle:多模态躯体感觉整合的易化和抑制作用
- Author:
Yu ZHANG
1
;
Ming ZHANG
1
;
Ya-Zhuo KONG
1
Author Information
1. State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Science and Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
somatosensory;
multimodal;
somatosensory integration;
facilitation;
inhibition
- From:
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics
2025;52(4):845-857
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
The somatosensory system, including modalities such as touch, temperature, and pain, is essential for perceiving and interacting with the environment. When individuals encounter different somatosensory modalities, they interact through a process called multimodal somatosensory integration. This integration is essential for accurate perception, motor coordination, pain management, and adaptive behavior. Disruptions in this process can lead to a variety of sensory disorders and complicate rehabilitation efforts. However, research on the behavioral patterns and neural mechanisms underlying multimodal somatosensory integration remains limited. According to previous studies, multimodal somatosensory integration can result in facilitative or inhibitory effects depending on factors like stimulus type, intensity, and spatial proximity. Facilitative effects are observed primarily when stimuli from the same sensory modality (e.g., two touch or temperature stimuli) are presented simultaneously, leading to amplified perceptual strength and quicker reaction times. Additionally, certain external factors, such as cooling, can increase sensitivity to other sensory inputs, further promoting facilitative integration. In contrast, inhibitory effects may also emerge when stimuli from different sensory modalities interact, particularly between touch and pain. Under such conditions, one sensory input (e.g., vibration or non-noxious temperature stimulation) can effectively reduce the perceived intensity of the other, often resulting in reduced pain perception. These facilitative and inhibitory interactions are critical for efficient processing in a multi-stimulus environment and play a role in modulating the experience of somatosensory inputs in both normal and clinical contexts. The neural mechanisms underlying multimodal somatosensory integration are multi-tiered, encompassing peripheral receptors, the spinal cord, and various cortical structures. Facilitative integration relies on the synchronous activation of peripheral receptors, which transmit enhanced signals to higher processing centers. At the cortical level, areas such as the primary and secondary somatosensory cortex, through multimodal neuron responses, facilitate combined representation and amplification of sensory signals. In particular, the thalamus is a significant relay station where multisensory neurons exhibit superadditive responses, contributing to facilitation by enhancing signal strength when multiple inputs are present. Inhibitory integration, on the other hand, is mediated by mechanisms within the spinal cord, such as gating processes that limit transmission of competing sensory signals, thus diminishing the perceived intensity of certain inputs. At the cortical level, lateral inhibition within the somatosensory cortex plays a key role in reducing competing signals from non-target stimuli, enabling prioritized processing of the most relevant sensory input. This layered neural architecture supports the dynamic modulation of sensory inputs, balancing facilitation and inhibition to optimize perception. Understanding the neural pathways involved in somatosensory integration has potential clinical implications for diagnosing sensory disorders and developing therapeutic strategies. Future research should focus on elucidating the specific neural circuitry and mechanisms that contribute to these complex interactions, providing insights into the broader implications of somatosensory integration on behavior and cognition. In summary, this review highlights the importance of multimodal somatosensory integration in enhancing sensory perception. It also underscores the need for further exploration into the neural underpinnings of these processes to advance our understanding of sensory integration and its applications in clinical settings.
