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Gao X, Yang Y, Zhu J, Zhang Y, Wang C, Wang Z, Mi W, Du L. Xanthotoxol relieves itch in mice via suppressing spinal GRP/GRPR signaling. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 960:176147. [PMID: 37871763 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Although pruritus, commonly known as itch, is a common and debilitating symptom associated with various skin conditions, there is a lack of effective therapies available. Xanthotoxol (XAN), a biologically active linear furocoumarin, shows potential in the treatment of various neurological disorders. In this study, we discovered that administering XAN either through intraperitoneal or intrathecal injections effectively reduced scratching behavior induced by compound 48/80 or chloroquine. Importantly, XAN also substantially alleviates chronic itch in dry skin and allergic contact dermatitis mice. Substantial progress has highlighted the crucial role of gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP)-gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) signaling in the dorsal spinal cord in transmitting various types of itch. Our behavior tests revealed that XAN significantly alleviated scratching behaviors induced by intrathecal administration of GRP or GRPR agonist bombesin. Furthermore, XAN reduced the activation of neurons in the spinal cord caused by intrathecal administration of GRP in mice. Moreover, XAN attenuates the activation of spinal GRPR-positive neurons in itchy mice. These findings suggest that XAN mitigates itch in mice by suppressing spinal GRP/GRPR signaling, thereby establishing XAN as a promising therapeutic option for treating pruritus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Gao
- School of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yayue Yang
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jianyu Zhu
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yuxin Zhang
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Chenghao Wang
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zhifei Wang
- School of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Wenli Mi
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Lixia Du
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
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2
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Liu JJ, Li X, Guo J, Yu S, Yang S. Role of GRPR in Acupuncture Intervention in the "Itch-scratch Vicious Cycle" Spinal Circuit of Chronic Pruritus. Chin Med 2023; 18:2. [PMID: 36597164 PMCID: PMC9809006 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-022-00706-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Many previous studies have shown the potential antipruritic effect of acupuncture. This paper reviews the antipruritic mechanisms of acupuncture according to these aspects: sample characteristics, detail of intervention, and effects evaluation. The majority of research on acupuncture's antipruritic effect has focused on primary afferents of the peripheral mechanism. Relatively few studies, however, have addressed the central mechanisms. Combination the latest research achievements of chronic itch, gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord may represent the first molecule identified that is dedicated to mediating the itch response and may provide an important therapeutic target for the treatment of chronic pruritic conditions. Therefore, GRPR may be a new target for acupuncture to relieve itch in the future and provide new ideas for acupuncture intervention in the mechanisms of the spinal level of the "itch-scratch vicious cycle" of chronic itch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-jia Liu
- grid.411304.30000 0001 0376 205XAcupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan China
| | - Xuemei Li
- grid.411304.30000 0001 0376 205XAcupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan China
| | - Jing Guo
- grid.411304.30000 0001 0376 205XAcupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan China
| | - Shuguang Yu
- grid.411304.30000 0001 0376 205XAcupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan China ,Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province for Acupuncture and Chronobiology, Chengdu, Sichuan China
| | - Sha Yang
- grid.411304.30000 0001 0376 205XAcupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan China ,grid.411304.30000 0001 0376 205XAcupuncture and Brain Science Research Center, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan China
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3
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Konstantinou GN, Konstantinou GN, Koulias C, Petalas K, Makris M. Further Understanding of Neuro-Immune Interactions in Allergy: Implications in Pathophysiology and Role in Disease Progression. J Asthma Allergy 2022; 15:1273-1291. [PMID: 36117919 PMCID: PMC9473548 DOI: 10.2147/jaa.s282039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The complicated interaction between the central and the autonomic (sympathetic, parasympathetic, and enteric) nervous systems on the one hand and the immune system and its components, on the other hand, seems to substantially contribute to allergy pathophysiology, uncovering an under-recognized association that could have diagnostic and therapeutic potentials. Neurons connect directly with and regulate the function of many immune cells, including mast cells, the cells that have a leading role in allergic disorders. Proinflammatory mediators such as cytokines, neurotrophins, chemokines, and neuropeptides are released by immune cells, which stimulate sensory neurons. The release of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides caused by the activation of these neurons directly impacts the functional activity of immune cells and vice versa, playing a decisive role in this communication. Successful application of Pavlovian conditioning in allergic disorders supports the existence of a psychoneuroimmunological interplay in classical allergic hypersensitivity reactions. Activation of neuronal homeostatic reflexes, like sneezing in allergic rhinitis, coughing in allergic asthma, and vomiting in food allergy, offers additional evidence of a neuroimmunological interaction that aims to maintain homeostasis. Dysregulation of this interaction may cause overstimulation of the immune system that will produce profound symptoms and exaggerated hemodynamic responses that will lead to severe allergic pathophysiological events, including anaphylaxis. In this article, we have systematically reviewed and discussed the evidence regarding the role of the neuro-immune interactions in common allergic clinical modalities like allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, allergic asthma, food allergy, atopic dermatitis, and urticaria. It is essential to understand unknown – to most of the immunology and allergy experts – neurological networks that not only physiologically cooperate with the immune system to regulate homeostasis but also pathogenetically interact with more or less known immunological pathways, contribute to what is known as neuroimmunological inflammation, and shift homeostasis to instability and disease clinical expression. This understanding will provide recognition of new allergic phenotypes/endotypes and directions to focus on specialized treatments, as the era of personalized patient-centered medicine, is hastening apace.
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Affiliation(s)
- George N Konstantinou
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 424 General Military Training Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Gerasimos N Konstantinou
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Centre of Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Christopher Koulias
- Allergy Unit, 2nd Department of Dermatology and Venereology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Attikon" University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Michael Makris
- Allergy Unit, 2nd Department of Dermatology and Venereology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Attikon" University Hospital, Athens, Greece
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Wu H, Niu C, Qu Y, Sun X, Wang K. Selective activation of TRPA1 ion channels by nitrobenzene skin sensitizers DNFB and DNCB. J Biol Chem 2021; 298:101555. [PMID: 34973335 PMCID: PMC8800105 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
2, 4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) and 2, 4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) are well known as skin sensitizers that can cause dermatitis. DNFB has shown to more potently sensitize skin; however, how DNFB and DNCB cause skin inflammation at a molecular level and why this difference in their sensitization ability is observed remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to identify the molecular targets and mechanisms on which DNFB and DNCB act. We used a fluorescent calcium imaging plate reader in an initial screening assay before patch-clamp recordings for validation. Molecular docking in combination with site-directed mutagenesis was then carried out to investigate DNFB and DNCB binding sites in the TRPA1 ion channel that may be selectively activated by these tow sensitizers. We found that DNFB and DNCB selectively activated TRPA1 channel with EC50 values of 2.3 ± 0.7 μM μM and 42.4 ± 20.9 μM, respectively. Single-channel recordings revealed that DNFB and DNCB increase the probability of channel opening and acts on three residues (C621, E625 and Y658) critical for TRPA1 activation. Our findings may not only help explain the molecular mechanism underlying the dermatitis and pruritus caused by chemicals like DNFB and DNCB, but also provide a molecular tool 7.5-fold more potent than the current TRPA1 activator allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) used for investigating TRPA1 channel pharmacology and pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, #1 Ningde Road, Qingdao 266073
| | - Canyang Niu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, #1 Ningde Road, Qingdao 266073
| | - Yaxuan Qu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, #1 Ningde Road, Qingdao 266073
| | - Xiaoying Sun
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, #1 Ningde Road, Qingdao 266073; Institue of Innovative Drugs, Qingdao University, 38 Dengzhou Road, Qingdao 266021, China.
| | - KeWei Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, #1 Ningde Road, Qingdao 266073; Institue of Innovative Drugs, Qingdao University, 38 Dengzhou Road, Qingdao 266021, China.
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5
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Estrogens influence female itch sensitivity via the spinal gastrin-releasing peptide receptor neurons. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2103536118. [PMID: 34312228 PMCID: PMC8346901 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2103536118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Many women exhibit a dramatic increase in itch during pregnancy, but the underlying mechanism is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that the female sex steroid hormone estradiol, but not progesterone, enhances itch-related scratching behavior in female rats elicited by histamine, the prototypical itch mediator in humans. This is associated with an enhancement in histamine-evoked activity of a subset of spinal dorsal horn neurons that express a neuropeptide receptor, gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR), that was previously shown to be involved in spinal cord processing of itch. These findings may account for why itch sensation varies with estrogen levels and provide a basis for treating histamine-related itch diseases in females by targeting GRPR. There are sex differences in somatosensory sensitivity. Circulating estrogens appear to have a pronociceptive effect that explains why females are reported to be more sensitive to pain than males. Although itch symptoms develop during pregnancy in many women, the underlying mechanism of female-specific pruritus is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that estradiol, but not progesterone, enhances histamine-evoked scratching behavior indicative of itch in female rats. Estradiol increased the expression of the spinal itch mediator, gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), and increased the histamine-evoked activity of itch-processing neurons that express the GRP receptor (GRPR) in the spinal dorsal horn. The enhancement of itch behavior by estradiol was suppressed by intrathecal administration of a GRPR blocker. In vivo electrophysiological analysis showed that estradiol increased the histamine-evoked firing frequency and prolonged the response of spinal GRP-sensitive neurons in female rats. On the other hand, estradiol did not affect the threshold of noxious thermal pain and decreased touch sensitivity, indicating that estradiol separately affects itch, pain, and touch modalities. Thus, estrogens selectively enhance histamine-evoked itch in females via the spinal GRP/GRPR system. This may explain why itch sensation varies with estrogen levels and provides a basis for treating itch in females by targeting GRPR.
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Common and discrete mechanisms underlying chronic pain and itch: peripheral and central sensitization. Pflugers Arch 2021; 473:1603-1615. [PMID: 34245379 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-021-02599-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Normally, an obvious antagonism exists between pain and itch. In normal conditions, painful stimuli suppress itch sensation, whereas pain killers often generate itch. Although pain and itch are mediated by separate pathways under normal conditions, most chemicals are not highly specific to one sensation in chronic pathologic conditions. Notably, in patients with neuropathic pain, histamine primarily induces pain rather than itch, while in patients with atopic dermatitis, bradykinin triggers itch rather than pain. Accordingly, repetitive scratching even enhances itch sensation in chronic itch conditions. Physicians often prescribe pain relievers to patients with chronic itch, suggesting common mechanisms underlying chronic pain and itch, especially peripheral and central sensitization. Rather than separating itch and pain, studies should investigate chronic itch and pain including neuropathic and inflammatory conditions. Here, we reviewed chronic sensitization leading to chronic pain and itch at both peripheral and central levels. Studies investigating the connection between pain and itch facilitate the development of new therapeutics against both chronic dysesthesias based on the underlying pathophysiology.
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Wu ZH, Shao HY, Fu YY, Wu XB, Cao DL, Yan SX, Sha WL, Gao YJ, Zhang ZJ. Descending Modulation of Spinal Itch Transmission by Primary Somatosensory Cortex. Neurosci Bull 2021; 37:1345-1350. [PMID: 34057697 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-021-00713-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Han Wu
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.,Institute of Pain Medicine, Institute of Nautical Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, China
| | - Han-Yu Shao
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.,Institute of Pain Medicine, Institute of Nautical Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Fu
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.,Institute of Pain Medicine, Institute of Nautical Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, China
| | - Xiao-Bo Wu
- Institute of Pain Medicine, Institute of Nautical Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, China
| | - De-Li Cao
- Institute of Pain Medicine, Institute of Nautical Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, China
| | - Sheng-Xiang Yan
- Institute of Pain Medicine, Institute of Nautical Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, China
| | - Wei-Lin Sha
- Institute of Pain Medicine, Institute of Nautical Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, China
| | - Yong-Jing Gao
- Institute of Pain Medicine, Institute of Nautical Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, China. .,Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.
| | - Zhi-Jun Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China. .,Institute of Pain Medicine, Institute of Nautical Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, China.
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Zhang Y, Zhang H, Jiang B, Tong X, Yan S, Lu J. Current views on neuropeptides in atopic dermatitis. Exp Dermatol 2021; 30:1588-1597. [PMID: 33963624 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease involving skin barrier dysfunction and immune imbalance. However, the mechanism of AD is not clear completely and may be related to heredity and environment. Neuropeptides are a class of peptides secreted by nerve endings, they may play roles in promoting vasodilation, plasma extravasation, chemotaxis of inflammatory cells and mediating pruritus. Since itching and immune cell infiltration are the main manifestations of atopic dermatitis, to further investigate the impact of neuropeptides on AD, our review summarized the mechanisms of several common neuropeptides in AD and hypothesized that neuropeptides may be the novel potential targets in AD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hanyi Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Boyue Jiang
- Department of Dermatology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaoliang Tong
- Department of Dermatology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Siyu Yan
- Department of Dermatology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jianyun Lu
- Department of Dermatology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Xu J, Xiong H, Zhao Z, Luo M, Ju Y, Yang G, Mei Z. Genistein suppresses allergic contact dermatitis through regulating the MAP2K2/ERK pathway. Food Funct 2021; 12:4556-4569. [PMID: 33908440 DOI: 10.1039/d0fo03238g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Genistein is one of the main components of soybeans and has been reported to be a potential candidate for the treatment of obesity, cancer, osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases. Recently, genistein has been shown to have therapeutic effects on some chronic skin diseases, but its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we evaluated the role of genistein in alleviating squaric acid dibutylester (SADBE)-induced allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) in mice, and elucidated the potential molecular mechanisms in human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cell line. The impacts of genistein on the production of pro-inflammatory chemokines and cytokines including CXCL9, TSLP, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in the skin and serum of ACD mice were assessed, as well as the phosphorylation of components in the MAPK and JAK-STAT3 signaling pathways in the skin and dorsal root ganglions (DRGs). The results showed that genistein exerted protective effects on skin damage and inflammatory cell infiltration. Moreover, genistein significantly inhibited the increased expressions of pro-inflammatory factors in skin and peripheral blood, and down-regulated the levels of p-ERK, p-p38 and p-STAT3 in skin and DRGs. Furthermore, genistein inhibited the phosphorylation of ERK and STAT3 to downregulate the expression of cytokines and chemokines, and feedback downregulate phospho-p38 in TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced HaCaT cells. The genistein-mediated inhibitory effect on the MAPK pathway can be reversed by siMAP2K2 but not by siMAP2K4. Altogether, our findings demonstrated that genistein exhibits strong antipruritic and anti-inflammatory effects in ACD mice by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and intracellular MAP2K2/ERK cell signaling, which makes genistein a potentially valuable candidate for the treatment of skin conditions and systemic syndromes in the setting of contact dermatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhong Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan 430074, China.
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Pain Inhibits GRPR Neurons via GABAergic Signaling in the Spinal Cord. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15804. [PMID: 31676846 PMCID: PMC6825123 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52316-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been known that algogens and cooling could inhibit itch sensation; however, the underlying molecular and neural mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we show that the spinal neurons expressing gastrin releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) primarily comprise excitatory interneurons that receive direct and indirect inputs from C and Aδ fibers and form contacts with projection neurons expressing the neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R). Importantly, we show that noxious or cooling agents inhibit the activity of GRPR neurons via GABAergic signaling. By contrast, capsaicin, which evokes a mix of itch and pain sensations, enhances both excitatory and inhibitory spontaneous synaptic transmission onto GRPR neurons. These data strengthen the role of GRPR neurons as a key circuit for itch transmission and illustrate a spinal mechanism whereby pain inhibits itch by suppressing the function of GRPR neurons.
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Mu Y, Tian Y, Zhang ZC, Han J. Metallophosphoesterase regulates light-induced rhodopsin endocytosis by promoting an association between arrestin and the adaptor protein AP2. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:12892-12900. [PMID: 31324721 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.009602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Light-induced endocytosis of rhodopsin in the retina is critical for preventing photoreceptor hyperactivity and for the survival of photoreceptor cells. In Drosophila, this process is mediated by arrestin1 (Arr1). Because Arr1 lacks a clathrin-binding domain required for receptor internalization and the C-terminal sequence that interacts with the β-subunit of the clathrin adaptor protein AP2, the mechanism of how Arr1 mediates endocytosis of the major rhodopsin Rh1 is unclear. Here, using several approaches, including Arr binding and pulldown assays, immunofluorescence techniques, and EM imaging, we found that Drosophila metallophosphoesterase (dMPPE) is involved in light-induced rhodopsin endocytosis. We observed that the photoreceptor cells of a dmppe mutant exhibit impaired light-induced rhodopsin endocytosis and that this impairment is independent of dMPPE phosphoesterase activity. Furthermore, dMPPE directly interacted with Arr1 and promoted the association of Arr1 with AP2. Of note, genetic dmppe deletion largely prevented retinal degeneration in norpA (encoding phospholipase C) mutants, which were reported previously to contribute to retinal degeneration, by suppressing Rh1 endocytosis. Our findings demonstrate that Arr1 interacts with AP2 and that dMPPE functions as a critical regulator in Rh1 endocytosis and retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yawen Mu
- Institute of Life Sciences, the Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Yao Tian
- Institute of Life Sciences, the Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Zi Chao Zhang
- Institute of Life Sciences, the Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China.
| | - Junhai Han
- Institute of Life Sciences, the Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China; Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, JS 226001, China.
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12
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Metz M. Treatments for chronic pruritus outside of the box. Exp Dermatol 2019; 28:1476-1481. [DOI: 10.1111/exd.14007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Metz
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology Charité ‐ Universitätsmedizin Berlin Berlin Germany
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13
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Liu XY, Ginosar Y, Yazdi J, Hincker A, Chen ZF. Cross-talk between Human Spinal Cord μ-opioid Receptor 1Y Isoform and Gastrin-releasing Peptide Receptor Mediates Opioid-induced Scratching Behavior. Anesthesiology 2019; 131:381-391. [PMID: 31314749 PMCID: PMC7098053 DOI: 10.1097/aln.0000000000002776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although spinal opioids are safe and effective, pruritus is common and distressing. The authors previously demonstrated in mouse spinal cord that interactions between μ-opioid receptor isoform 1D and gastrin releasing peptide receptor mediate morphine-induced scratch. The C-terminal of 1D inhibits morphine-induced scratch without affecting analgesia. The authors hypothesize that human spinal cord also contains itch-specific μ-opioid receptor isoforms which interact with gastrin releasing peptide receptor. METHODS Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed on human spinal cord complimentary DNA from two human cadavers. Calcium responses to morphine (1 μM) were examined using calcium imaging microscopy on human cells (HEK293) coexpressing gastrin releasing peptide receptor and different human μ-opioid receptor isoforms. The authors assessed morphine-induced scratching behavior and thermal analgesia in mice following intrathecal injection of morphine (0.3 nmol) and a transactivator of transcription peptide designed from C-terminal sequences of 1Y isoform (0, 0.1, and 0.4 nmol). RESULTS The authors demonstrated 1Y expression in the spinal cord dorsal horn. Morphine administration evoked a calcium response (mean ± SD) (57 ± 13 nM) in cells coexpressing both gastrin releasing peptide receptor and the 1Y isomer. This was blocked by 10 μM naltrexone (0.7 ± 0.4 nM; P < 0.0001), 1 μM gastrin-releasing peptide receptor antagonist (3 ± 2 nM; P < 0.0001), or 200 μM 1Y-peptide (2 + 2 nM; P < 0.0001). In mice, 0.4 nmol 1Y-peptide significantly attenuated morphine-induced scratching behaviors (scratching bouts, vehicle vs. 1Y-peptide) (92 ± 31 vs. 38 ± 29; P = 0.011; n = 6 to 7 mice per group), without affecting morphine antinociception in warm water tail immersion test (% of maximum possible effect) (70 ± 21 vs. 67 ± 22; P = 0.80; n = 6 mice per group). CONCLUSIONS Human μ-opioid receptor 1Y isomer is a C-terminal splicing variant of Oprm1 gene identified in human spinal cord. Cross-talk between 1Y and gastrin releasing peptide receptor is required for mediating opioid-induced pruritus. Disrupting the cross talk may have implications for therapeutic uncoupling of desired analgesic effects from side effects of opioids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian-Yu Liu
- From the Center for the Study of Itch, Departments of Anesthesiology, Psychiatry and Developmental Biology (X.-Y.L., Z.-F.C.) the Division of Obstetric Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, Barnes Jewish Hospital (Y.G., A.H.), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri the Mother and Child Anesthesia Unit, Department of Anesthesiology, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel (Y.G.) SpineMore Surgical Associates, St. Louis, Missouri (J.Y.)
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14
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Su XY, Chen M, Yuan Y, Li Y, Guo SS, Luo HQ, Huang C, Sun W, Li Y, Zhu MX, Liu MG, Hu J, Xu TL. Central Processing of Itch in the Midbrain Reward Center. Neuron 2019; 102:858-872.e5. [PMID: 31000426 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2019.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Revised: 12/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Itch is an aversive sensation that evokes a desire to scratch. Paradoxically, scratching the itch also produces a hedonic experience. The specific brain circuits processing these different aspects of itch, however, remain elusive. Here, we report that GABAergic (GABA) and dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) are activated with different temporal patterns during acute and chronic itch. DA neuron activation lags behind GABA neurons and is dependent on scratching of the itchy site. Optogenetic manipulations of VTA GABA neurons rapidly modulated scratching behaviors through encoding itch-associated aversion. In contrast, optogenetic manipulations of VTA DA neurons revealed their roles in sustaining recurrent scratching episodes through signaling scratching-induced reward. A similar dichotomy exists for the role of VTA in chronic itch. These findings advance understanding of circuit mechanisms of the unstoppable itch-scratch cycles and shed important insights into chronic itch therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Yu Su
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Ming Chen
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Ying Li
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Su-Shan Guo
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Huo-Qing Luo
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Chen Huang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Wenzhi Sun
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Yong Li
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; Shanghai Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Michael X Zhu
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ming-Gang Liu
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China.
| | - Ji Hu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; Shanghai Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Shanghai 201210, China.
| | - Tian-Le Xu
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; Shanghai Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Shanghai 201210, China.
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15
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Barbiturates enhance itch-associated scratching in atopic dermatitis mice: A possible clue to understanding nocturnal pruritus in atopic dermatitis. Eur J Pharmacol 2018; 836:57-66. [PMID: 30125561 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2018.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Revised: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In chronic pruritic diseases such as atopic dermatitis, pruritus is exacerbated during nocturnal sleep; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. We previously demonstrated that acute administration of the sedative-hypnotics ethanol markedly enhanced itch-associated spontaneous scratching in a diet-induced mouse model of atopic dermatitis. In the present study, to expand our previous finding and provide a general mechanism for the central modulation of chronic itch, we examined whether other hypnotic drugs, such as barbiturates and benzodiazepines, also enhance scratching, and further investigated the underlying mechanism. Barbiturates markedly enhanced spontaneous scratching in the atopic dermatitis model but not controls. However, unexpectedly, benzodiazepines only slightly increased scratching, and the selective γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor agonist, muscimol, had no effect. Local injection studies have demonstrated that barbiturates act at the supraspinal level to enhance scratching. Barbiturate-induced scratching was inhibited not only by GABAA receptor antagonists but also by an L-type voltage-dependent calcium channel (L-VDCC) agonist and an α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) glutamate receptor agonist. An intracisternally injected AMPA receptor antagonist alone or in combination with an L-VDCC antagonist sufficiently enhanced scratching. Barbiturate-induced scratching enhancement was observed in another atopic dermatitis model, NC/Nga, but not in histamine-induced acute itch model in normal healthy mice. Overall, our results suggest that a synergistic effect among AMPA receptor inhibition, GABAA receptor activation, and L-VDCC inhibition in the brain mediates barbiturate-induced scratching in atopic dermatitis mice. This observation may provide a novel clue to understanding a supraspinal itch mechanism in chronic diseases such as atopic dermatitis.
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16
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Munanairi A, Liu XY, Barry DM, Yang Q, Yin JB, Jin H, Li H, Meng QT, Peng JH, Wu ZY, Yin J, Zhou XY, Wan L, Mo P, Kim S, Huo FQ, Jeffry J, Li YQ, Bardoni R, Bruchas MR, Chen ZF. Non-canonical Opioid Signaling Inhibits Itch Transmission in the Spinal Cord of Mice. Cell Rep 2018; 23:866-877. [PMID: 29669290 PMCID: PMC5937707 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.03.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Revised: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic itch or pruritus is a debilitating disorder that is refractory to conventional anti-histamine treatment. Kappa opioid receptor (KOR) agonists have been used to treat chronic itch, but the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here, we find that KOR and gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) overlap in the spinal cord, and KOR activation attenuated GRPR-mediated histamine-independent acute and chronic itch in mice. Notably, canonical KOR-mediated Gαi signaling is not required for desensitizing GRPR function. In vivo and in vitro studies suggest that KOR activation results in the translocation of Ca2+-independent protein kinase C (PKC)δ from the cytosol to the plasma membrane, which in turn phosphorylates and inhibits GRPR activity. A blockade of phospholipase C (PLC) in HEK293 cells prevented KOR-agonist-induced PKCδ translocation and GRPR phosphorylation, suggesting a role of PLC signaling in KOR-mediated GRPR desensitization. These data suggest that a KOR-PLC-PKCδ-GRPR signaling pathway in the spinal cord may underlie KOR-agonists-induced anti-pruritus therapies.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Cell Membrane/metabolism
- Chloroquine/toxicity
- GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gi-Go/metabolism
- HEK293 Cells
- Humans
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Phosphorylation
- Protein Kinase C-delta/antagonists & inhibitors
- Protein Kinase C-delta/genetics
- Protein Kinase C-delta/metabolism
- Pruritus/chemically induced
- Pruritus/pathology
- RNA Interference
- RNA, Small Interfering/metabolism
- Receptors, Bombesin/metabolism
- Receptors, Opioid, kappa/agonists
- Receptors, Opioid, kappa/deficiency
- Receptors, Opioid, kappa/genetics
- Signal Transduction
- Spinal Cord/metabolism
- Type C Phospholipases/antagonists & inhibitors
- Type C Phospholipases/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Admire Munanairi
- Center for the Study of Itch, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Xian-Yu Liu
- Center for the Study of Itch, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Devin M Barry
- Center for the Study of Itch, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Qianyi Yang
- Center for the Study of Itch, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Jun-Bin Yin
- Center for the Study of Itch, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Anatomy and K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, 710032 Xi'an, PRC
| | - Hua Jin
- Center for the Study of Itch, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Hui Li
- Center for the Study of Itch, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Anatomy and K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, 710032 Xi'an, PRC
| | - Qing-Tao Meng
- Center for the Study of Itch, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Jia-Hang Peng
- Center for the Study of Itch, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Zhen-Yu Wu
- Center for the Study of Itch, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Anatomy and K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, 710032 Xi'an, PRC
| | - Jun Yin
- Center for the Study of Itch, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Xuan-Yi Zhou
- Center for the Study of Itch, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Li Wan
- Center for the Study of Itch, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Anatomy and K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, 710032 Xi'an, PRC
| | - Ping Mo
- Center for the Study of Itch, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Anatomy and K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, 710032 Xi'an, PRC
| | - Seungil Kim
- Center for the Study of Itch, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Fu-Quan Huo
- Center for the Study of Itch, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Joseph Jeffry
- Center for the Study of Itch, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Yun-Qing Li
- Department of Anatomy and K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, 710032 Xi'an, PRC; Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, PRC
| | - Rita Bardoni
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena 41125, Italy
| | - Michael R Bruchas
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Zhou-Feng Chen
- Center for the Study of Itch, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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17
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Ji RR. Recent Progress in Understanding the Mechanisms of Pain and Itch: the Second Special Issue. Neurosci Bull 2018; 34:1-3. [PMID: 29340868 PMCID: PMC5799133 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-018-0204-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/29/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ru-Rong Ji
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
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18
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Wan L, Jin H, Liu XY, Jeffry J, Barry DM, Shen KF, Peng JH, Liu XT, Jin JH, Sun Y, Kim R, Meng QT, Mo P, Yin J, Tao A, Bardoni R, Chen ZF. Distinct roles of NMB and GRP in itch transmission. Sci Rep 2017; 7:15466. [PMID: 29133874 PMCID: PMC5684337 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-15756-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
A key question in our understanding of itch coding mechanisms is whether itch is relayed by dedicated molecular and neuronal pathways. Previous studies suggested that gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) is an itch-specific neurotransmitter. Neuromedin B (NMB) is a mammalian member of the bombesin family of peptides closely related to GRP, but its role in itch is unclear. Here, we show that itch deficits in mice lacking NMB or GRP are non-redundant and Nmb/Grp double KO (DKO) mice displayed additive deficits. Furthermore, both Nmb/Grp and Nmbr/Grpr DKO mice responded normally to a wide array of noxious stimuli. Ablation of NMBR neurons partially attenuated peripherally induced itch without compromising nociceptive processing. Importantly, electrophysiological studies suggested that GRPR neurons receive glutamatergic input from NMBR neurons. Thus, we propose that NMB and GRP may transmit discrete itch information and NMBR neurons are an integral part of neural circuits for itch in the spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wan
- Center for the Study of Itch, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Pain Medicine, The State Key Clinical Specialty in Pain Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong, 510260, P.R. China
| | - Hua Jin
- Center for the Study of Itch, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan, 650031, P.R. China
| | - Xian-Yu Liu
- Center for the Study of Itch, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Joseph Jeffry
- Center for the Study of Itch, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Devin M Barry
- Center for the Study of Itch, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Kai-Feng Shen
- Center for the Study of Itch, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, P.R. China
| | - Jia-Hang Peng
- Center for the Study of Itch, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Xue-Ting Liu
- Center for the Study of Itch, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, The State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510260, P.R. China
| | - Jin-Hua Jin
- Center for the Study of Itch, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100144, P.R. China
| | - Yu Sun
- Center for the Study of Itch, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, P.R. China
| | - Ray Kim
- Center for the Study of Itch, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Qing-Tao Meng
- Center for the Study of Itch, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, P.R. China
| | - Ping Mo
- Center for the Study of Itch, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Affiliated Nanhai Hospital of Southern Medical University, Foshan, Guangdong, 528000, P.R. China
| | - Jun Yin
- Center for the Study of Itch, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Ailin Tao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, The State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510260, P.R. China
| | - Rita Bardoni
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, 41125, Italy
| | - Zhou-Feng Chen
- Center for the Study of Itch, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
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19
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Abstract
The exteroceptive somatosensory system is important for reflexive and adaptive behaviors and for the dynamic control of movement in response to external stimuli. This review outlines recent efforts using genetic approaches in the mouse to map the spinal cord circuits that transmit and gate the cutaneous somatosensory modalities of touch, pain, and itch. Recent studies have revealed an underlying modular architecture in which nociceptive, pruritic, and innocuous stimuli are processed by distinct molecularly defined interneuron cell types. These include excitatory populations that transmit information about both innocuous and painful touch and inhibitory populations that serve as a gate to prevent innocuous stimuli from activating the nociceptive and pruritic transmission pathways. By dissecting the cellular composition of dorsal-horn networks, studies are beginning to elucidate the intricate computational logic of somatosensory transformation in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie C Koch
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California 92037, USA;
| | - David Acton
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California 92037, USA;
| | - Martyn Goulding
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California 92037, USA;
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