The val¹⁵⁸met Polymorphism of Human Catechol-O-Methyltransferase (<i>COMT</i>) Affects Anterior Cingulate Cortex Activation in Response to Painful Laser Stimulation

Abstract

This result is in line with previous studies that reported higher pain sensitivity in homozygous met carriers. It adds to the current literature in suggesting that this behavioral phenotype may be mediated by, or is at least associated with, increased ACC activity. More generally, apart from one report that focused on pain-induced opioid release, this is the first functional neuroimaging study showing an effect of the COMT val158met polymorphism on cerebral pain processing.