1
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Chen S, Chen J, Tang D, Yin W, Xu S, Gao P, Jiao Y, Yu W. Mechanical and chemical itch regulated by neuropeptide Y-Y 1 signaling. Mol Pain 2024; 20:17448069241242982. [PMID: 38485252 PMCID: PMC10981256 DOI: 10.1177/17448069241242982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Itch is a somatosensory sensation to remove potential harmful stimulation with a scratching desire, which could be divided into mechanical and chemical itch according to diverse stimuli, such as wool fiber and insect biting. It has been reported that neuropeptide Y (NPY) neurons, a population of spinal inhibitory interneurons, could gate the transmission of mechanical itch, with no effect on chemical itch. In our study, we verified that chemogenetic activation of NPY neurons could inhibit the mechanical itch as well as the chemical itch, which also attenuated the alloknesis phenomenon in the chronic dry skin model. Afterwards, intrathecal administration of NPY1R agonist, [Leu31, Pro34]-NPY (LP-NPY), showed the similar inhibition effect on mechanical itch, chemical itch and alloknesis as chemo-activation of NPY neurons. Whereas, intrathecal administration of NPY1R antagonist BIBO 3304 enhanced mechanical itch and reversed the alloknesis phenomenon inhibited by LP-NPY treatment. Moreover, selectively knocking down NPY1R by intrathecal injection of Npy1r siRNA enhanced mechanical and chemical itch behavior as well. These results indicate that NPY neurons in spinal cord regulate mechanical and chemical itch, and alloknesis in dry skin model through NPY1 receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sihan Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology (Shanghai Jiao Tong University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Junhui Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology (Shanghai Jiao Tong University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Dan Tang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology (Shanghai Jiao Tong University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen Yin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology (Shanghai Jiao Tong University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Saihong Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology (Shanghai Jiao Tong University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Po Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology (Shanghai Jiao Tong University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingfu Jiao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology (Shanghai Jiao Tong University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Weifeng Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology (Shanghai Jiao Tong University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
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2
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Zhao T, Chen A, Dai D, Li Z, Gao XF, Xiong L. Role of the GRP/GRPR System in Regulating Brain Functions. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:3588-3598. [PMID: 37702025 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Re-examining the relationship between neuropeptide systems and neural circuits will help us to understand more intensively the critical role of neuropeptides in brain function as the neural circuits responsible for specific brain functions are gradually revealed. Gastrin-releasing peptide receptors (GRPRs) are Gαq-coupling neuropeptide receptors and widely distributed in the brain, including hippocampus, amygdala, hypothalamus, nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS), suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN), preoptic area of the hypothalamus (POA), preBötzinger complex (preBötC), etc., implying the GRP/GRPR system is involved in modulating multiple brain functions. In this review, we focus on the functionality of GRPR neurons and the regulatory role of the GRP/GRPR system in memory and cognition, fear, depression and anxiety, circadian rhythms, contagious itch, gastric acid secretion, food intake, body temperature, and sighing behavior. It can be found that GRPR is usually centered on a certain brain nucleus or anatomical structure and modulates richer or more specific behaviors by connecting with additional different nuclei. In order to explain the regulatory mechanism of the GRP/GRPR system, more precise intervention methods are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiantian Zhao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, No.1481, Xinshi North Road, Shanghai 200434, China
| | - Aiwen Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, No.1481, Xinshi North Road, Shanghai 200434, China
| | - Danqing Dai
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, No.1481, Xinshi North Road, Shanghai 200434, China
| | - Zhen Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, No.1481, Xinshi North Road, Shanghai 200434, China
| | - Xiao-Fei Gao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, No.1481, Xinshi North Road, Shanghai 200434, China
| | - Lize Xiong
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, No.1481, Xinshi North Road, Shanghai 200434, China
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, No. 1279, Sanmen Road, Shanghai 200434, China
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3
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Chen R, Ma T, Du S, Luo J, Zhang H, Xu X, Cao Z, Yuan Z, Sun H, Liu M, Xiong B, Shi Q, Liu JY. Impaired fertility in 4930590J08Rik mutant male mice is associated with defective sperm energy metabolism. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22634. [PMID: 36331537 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202200805rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Testis-specifically expressed genes are important for male reproduction according to their unique expression patterns. However, the functions of most of these genes in reproduction are unclear. Here, we showed that mouse 4930590J08Rik was a testis-specifically expressed gene. 4930590J08Rik knockout mice exhibited a delay in the first wave of spermatogenesis and a reduction of cauda epididymal sperm. Furthermore, knockout spermatozoa exhibited defective acrosome reactions and decreased progressive motility, which led to impaired in vivo fertilization. Transcriptome analysis of testes revealed that most of the differentially expressed genes in knockout testes were associated with metabolic processes. 4930590J08Rik knockout sperm exhibited oxidative phosphorylation deficiency and were highly dependent on increased anaerobic glycolysis to compensate for ATP demands. Taken together, the 4930590J08Rik-disrupted mouse partially mimics the phenotypes of human asthenospermia and oligozoospermia, which provides a new model for further understanding the pathogenesis of idiopathic male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Chen
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, China
| | - Tingbin Ma
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Shiyue Du
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, China
| | - Junyu Luo
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xuan Xu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhijian Cao
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, China
| | - Zhangqi Yuan
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, China
| | - Hao Sun
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, China
| | - Mugen Liu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, China
| | - Bo Xiong
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Wuhan, China
| | - Qinghua Shi
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Jing Yu Liu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
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Szöllősi AG, Oláh A, Lisztes E, Griger Z, Tóth BI. Pruritus: A Sensory Symptom Generated in Cutaneous Immuno-Neuronal Crosstalk. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:745658. [PMID: 35321329 PMCID: PMC8937025 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.745658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pruritus or itch generated in the skin is one of the most widespread symptoms associated with various dermatological and systemic (immunological) conditions. Although many details about the molecular mechanisms of the development of both acute and chronic itch were uncovered in the last 2 decades, our understanding is still incomplete and the clinical management of pruritic conditions is one of the biggest challenges in daily dermatological practice. Recent research revealed molecular interactions between pruriceptive sensory neurons and surrounding cutaneous cell types including keratinocytes, as well as resident and transient cells of innate and adaptive immunity. Especially in inflammatory conditions, these cutaneous cells can produce various mediators, which can contribute to the excitation of pruriceptive sensory fibers resulting in itch sensation. There also exists significant communication in the opposite direction: sensory neurons can release mediators that maintain an inflamed, pruritic tissue-environment. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about the sensory transduction of pruritus detailing the local intercellular interactions that generate itch. We especially emphasize the role of various pruritic mediators in the bidirectional crosstalk between cutaneous non-neuronal cells and sensory fibers. We also list various dermatoses and immunological conditions associated with itch, and discuss the potential immune-neuronal interactions promoting the development of pruritus in the particular diseases. These data may unveil putative new targets for antipruritic pharmacological interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attila Gábor Szöllősi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Attila Oláh
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Erika Lisztes
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Griger
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Balázs István Tóth
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- *Correspondence: Balázs István Tóth,
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5
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Abstract
Itch is one of the most primal sensations, being both ubiquitous and important for the well-being of animals. For more than a century, a desire to understand how itch is encoded by the nervous system has prompted the advancement of many theories. Within the past 15 years, our understanding of the molecular and neural mechanisms of itch has undergone a major transformation, and this remarkable progress continues today without any sign of abating. Here I describe accumulating evidence that indicates that itch is distinguished from pain through the actions of itch-specific neuropeptides that relay itch information to the spinal cord. According to this model, classical neurotransmitters transmit, inhibit and modulate itch information in a context-, space- and time-dependent manner but do not encode itch specificity. Gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) is proposed to be a key itch-specific neuropeptide, with spinal neurons expressing GRP receptor (GRPR) functioning as a key part of a convergent circuit for the conveyance of peripheral itch information to the brain.
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6
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Wiggins JW, Sledd JE, Coolen LM. Spinal Cord Injury Causes Reduction of Galanin and Gastrin Releasing Peptide mRNA Expression in the Spinal Ejaculation Generator of Male Rats. Front Neurol 2021; 12:670536. [PMID: 34239493 PMCID: PMC8258150 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.670536] [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: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) in men is commonly associated with sexual dysfunction, including anejaculation, and chronic mid-thoracic contusion injury in male rats also impairs ejaculatory reflexes. Ejaculation is controlled by a spinal ejaculation generator consisting of a population of lumbar spinothalamic (LSt) neurons that control ejaculation through release of four neuropeptides including galanin and gastrin releasing peptide (GRP) onto lumbar and sacral autonomic and motor nuclei. It was recently demonstrated that spinal contusion injury in male rats caused reduction of GRP-immunoreactivity, but not galanin-immunoreactivity in LSt cells, indicative of reduced GRP peptide levels, but inconclusive results for galanin. The current study further tests the hypothesis that contusion injury causes a disruption of GRP and galanin mRNA in LSt cells. Male rats received mid-thoracic contusion injury and galanin and GRP mRNA were visualized 8 weeks later in the lumbar spinal cord using fluorescent in situ hybridization. Spinal cord injury significantly reduced GRP and galanin mRNA in LSt cells. Galanin expression was higher in LSt cells compared to GRP. However, expression of the two transcripts were positively correlated in LSt cells in both sham and SCI animals, suggesting that expression for the two neuropeptides may be co-regulated. Immunofluorescent visualization of galanin and GRP peptides demonstrated a significant reduction in GRP-immunoreactivity, but not galanin in LSt cells, confirming the previous observations. In conclusion, SCI reduced GRP and galanin expression in LSt cells with an apparent greater impact on GRP peptide levels. GRP and galanin are both essential for triggering ejaculation and thus such reduction may contribute to ejaculatory dysfunction following SCI in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- James W Wiggins
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomical Sciences, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States.,Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
| | - Jonathan E Sledd
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomical Sciences, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
| | - Lique M Coolen
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomical Sciences, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States.,Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
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7
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Projections from the lateral parabrachial nucleus to the lateral and ventral lateral periaqueductal gray subregions mediate the itching sensation. Pain 2021; 162:1848-1863. [PMID: 33449512 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Lateral and ventral lateral subregions of the periaqueductal gray (l/vlPAG) have been proved to be pivotal components in descending circuitry of itch processing, and their effects are related to the subclassification of neurons that were meditated. In this study, lateral parabrachial nucleus (LPB), one of the most crucial relay stations in the ascending pathway, was taken as the input nucleus to examine the modulatory effect of l/vlPAG neurons that received LPB projections. Anatomical tracing, chemogenetic, optogenetic, and local pharmacological approaches were used to investigate the participation of the LPB-l/vlPAG pathway in itch and pain sensation in mice. First, morphological evidence for projections from vesicular glutamate transporter-2-containing neurons in the LPB to l/vlPAG involved in itch transmission has been provided. Furthermore, chemogenetic and optogenetic activation of the LPB-l/vlPAG pathway resulted in both antipruritic effect and analgesic effect, whereas pharmacogenetic inhibition strengthened nociceptive perception without affecting spontaneous scratching behavior. Finally, in vivo pharmacology was combined with optogenetics which revealed that AMPA receptor-expressing neurons in l/vlPAG might play a more essential role in pathway modulation. These findings provide a novel insight about the connections between 2 prominent transmit nuclei, LPB and l/vlPAG, in both pruriceptive and nociceptive sensations and deepen the understanding of l/vlPAG modulatory roles in itch sensation by chosen LPB as source of ascending efferent projections.
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8
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Kiguchi N, Fukazawa Y, Saika A, Uta D, Saika F, Nakamura TY, Ko M, Kishioka S. Chemogenetic activation of central gastrin-releasing peptide-expressing neurons elicits itch-related scratching behavior in male and female mice. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2021; 9:e00790. [PMID: 34000759 PMCID: PMC8128314 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Several lines of evidence have clarified that the key transmission pathways of itching sensation travel from the periphery to the central nervous system (CNS). Despite the functional significance of gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) and its cognate receptor in the itch processing mechanism in the spinal dorsal horn (SDH), the roles of GRP-expressing (GRP+ ) neurons in different regions remain unclear. This study aimed to determine whether GRP+ neurons in the CNS directly modulated itch processing. To specifically activate spinal and supraspinal GRP neurons by the designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) system, CAG-LSL-Gq-DREADD mice were crossed with GRP-Cre mice, resulting in the development of GRP-hM3Dq mice. Immunohistochemistry showed that hM3Dq was highly expressed in the SDH and brainstem closely related to sensory processing. The intraperitoneal, intrathecal, or intracerebroventricular administration of clozapine-N-oxide, an agonist of hM3Dq, strongly elicited dermatome-dependent itch-related scratching behavior, but did not change pain sensitivity. Importantly, GRP-Gq-DREADD-mediated scratching behavior in GRP-hM3Dq mice was not affected by the ablation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1+ sensory C-fibers, and it was also observed to a similar degree under chronic itch conditions. Furthermore, there were no significant sex differences in the scratching behavior elicited by GRP-Gq-DREADD, suggesting that itch-dominant roles of central GRP+ neurons might be common in both sexes, at least under normal physiological conditions. These novel findings not only contribute to understanding the functional roles of central GRP+ neurons further, but also propose the development of future effective therapeutics for intractable itching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norikazu Kiguchi
- Department of PharmacologyWakayama Medical UniversityWakayama CityWakayamaJapan
- Department of Physiological SciencesSchool of Pharmaceutical SciencesWakayama Medical UniversityWakayama CityWakayamaJapan
| | - Yohji Fukazawa
- Department of AnatomyKansai University of Health SciencesSennan‐gunOsakaJapan
| | - Ayano Saika
- Department of PharmacologyWakayama Medical UniversityWakayama CityWakayamaJapan
| | - Daisuke Uta
- Department of Applied PharmacologyFaculty of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of ToyamaToyama CityToyamaJapan
| | - Fumihiro Saika
- Department of PharmacologyWakayama Medical UniversityWakayama CityWakayamaJapan
| | - Tomoe Y. Nakamura
- Department of PharmacologyWakayama Medical UniversityWakayama CityWakayamaJapan
| | - Mei‐Chuan Ko
- Department of Physiology and PharmacologyWake Forest University School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNCUSA
| | - Shiroh Kishioka
- Faculty of Wakayama Health Care SciencesTakarazuka University of Medical and Health CareWakayama CityWakayamaJapan
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9
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A spinal neural circuitry for converting touch to itch sensation. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5074. [PMID: 33033265 PMCID: PMC7545208 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-18895-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Touch and itch sensations are crucial for evoking defensive and emotional responses, and light tactile touch may induce unpleasant itch sensations (mechanical itch or alloknesis). The neural substrate for touch-to-itch conversion in the spinal cord remains elusive. We report that spinal interneurons expressing Tachykinin 2-Cre (Tac2Cre) receive direct Aβ low threshold mechanoreceptor (LTMR) input and form monosynaptic connections with GRPR neurons. Ablation or inhibition markedly reduces mechanical but not acute chemical itch nor noxious touch information. Chemogenetic inhibition of Tac2Cre neurons also displays pronounced deficit in chronic dry skin itch, a type of chemical itch in mice. Consistently, ablation of gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) neurons, which are essential for transmitting chemical itch, also abolishes mechanical itch. Together, these results suggest that innocuous touch and chemical itch information converge on GRPR neurons and thus map an exquisite spinal circuitry hard-wired for converting innocuous touch to irritating itch.
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10
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Abstract
Itch, in particular chronic forms, has been widely recognized as an important clinical problem, but much less is known about the mechanisms of itch in comparison with other sensory modalities such as pain. Recently, considerable progress has been made in dissecting the circuit mechanisms of itch at both the spinal and supraspinal levels. Major components of the spinal neural circuit underlying both chemical and mechanical itch have now been identified, along with the circuits relaying ascending transmission and the descending modulation of itch. In this review, we summarize the progress in elucidating the neural circuit mechanism of itch at spinal and supraspinal levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Jun Chen
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science & Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue-Yang Road, 200031, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yu-quan Road, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Yan-Gang Sun
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science & Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue-Yang Road, 200031, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology, 201210, Shanghai, China.
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11
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Barry DM, Liu XT, Liu B, Liu XY, Gao F, Zeng X, Liu J, Yang Q, Wilhelm S, Yin J, Tao A, Chen ZF. Exploration of sensory and spinal neurons expressing gastrin-releasing peptide in itch and pain related behaviors. Nat Commun 2020; 11:1397. [PMID: 32170060 PMCID: PMC7070094 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15230-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) functions as a neurotransmitter for non-histaminergic itch, but its site of action (sensory neurons vs spinal cord) remains controversial. To determine the role of GRP in sensory neurons, we generated a floxed Grp mouse line. We found that conditional knockout of Grp in sensory neurons results in attenuated non-histaminergic itch, without impairing histamine-induced itch. Using a Grp-Cre knock-in mouse line, we show that the upper epidermis of the skin is exclusively innervated by GRP fibers, whose activation via optogeneics and chemogenetics in the skin evokes itch- but not pain-related scratching or wiping behaviors. In contrast, intersectional genetic ablation of spinal Grp neurons does not affect itch nor pain transmission, demonstrating that spinal Grp neurons are dispensable for itch transmission. These data indicate that GRP is a neuropeptide in sensory neurons for non-histaminergic itch, and GRP sensory neurons are dedicated to itch transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devin M Barry
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, 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 and Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, The State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, Sino-French Hoffmann Institute, Center for Immunology, Inflammation, Immune-mediated disease, Guangzhou Medical University, 510260, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Benlong Liu
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, 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 and Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Fang Gao
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Xiansi Zeng
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- College of Life Sciences, Xinyang Normal University, 237 Nanhu Road, 464000, Xinyang, P. R. China
| | - Juan Liu
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, 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 and Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Steven Wilhelm
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Jun Yin
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, 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
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, The State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, Sino-French Hoffmann Institute, Center for Immunology, Inflammation, Immune-mediated disease, Guangzhou Medical University, 510260, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Zhou-Feng Chen
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, 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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Kiguchi N, Uta D, Ding H, Uchida H, Saika F, Matsuzaki S, Fukazawa Y, Abe M, Sakimura K, Ko MC, Kishioka S. GRP receptor and AMPA receptor cooperatively regulate itch-responsive neurons in the spinal dorsal horn. Neuropharmacology 2020; 170:108025. [PMID: 32142790 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) receptor-expressing (GRPR)+ neurons have a central role in the spinal transmission of itch. Because their fundamental regulatory mechanisms are not yet understood, it is important to determine how such neurons are excited and integrate itch sensation. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms for the activation of itch-responsive GRPR+ neurons in the spinal dorsal horn (SDH). GRPR+ neurons expressed the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR) containing the GluR2 subunit. In mice, peripherally elicited histaminergic and non-histaminergic itch was prevented by intrathecal (i.t.) administration of the AMPAR antagonist NBQX, which was consistent with the fact that firing of GRPR+ neurons in SDH under histaminergic and non-histaminergic itch was completely blocked by NBQX, but not by the GRPR antagonist RC-3095. Because GRP+ neurons in SDH contain glutamate, we investigated the role of GRP+ (GRP+/Glu+) neurons in regulating itch. Chemogenetic inhibition of GRP+ neurons suppressed both histaminergic and non-histaminergic itch without affecting the mechanical pain threshold. In nonhuman primates, i.t. administration of NBQX also attenuated peripherally elicited itch without affecting the thermal pain threshold. In a mouse model of diphenylcyclopropenone (DCP)-induced contact dermatitis, GRP, GRPR, and AMPAR subunits were upregulated in SDH. DCP-induced itch was prevented by either silencing GRP+ neurons or ablation of GRPR+ neurons. Altogether, these findings demonstrate that GRP and glutamate cooperatively regulate GRPR+ AMPAR+ neurons in SDH, mediating itch sensation. GRP-GRPR and the glutamate-AMPAR system may play pivotal roles in the spinal transmission of itch in rodents and nonhuman primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norikazu Kiguchi
- Department of Pharmacology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama City, Wakayama, 641-0012, Japan.
| | - Daisuke Uta
- Department of Applied Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama City, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Huiping Ding
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Hitoshi Uchida
- Department of Cellular Neuropathology, Brain Research Institute Niigata University, Niigata City, Niigata, 951-8585, Japan
| | - Fumihiro Saika
- Department of Pharmacology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama City, Wakayama, 641-0012, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Matsuzaki
- Department of Pharmacology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama City, Wakayama, 641-0012, Japan
| | - Yohji Fukazawa
- Department of Anatomy, Kansai University of Health Sciences, Sennan-gun, Osaka, 590-0482, Japan
| | - Manabu Abe
- Department of Animal Model Development, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata City, Niigata, 951-8585, Japan
| | - Kenji Sakimura
- Department of Animal Model Development, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata City, Niigata, 951-8585, Japan
| | - Mei-Chuan Ko
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA; W.G. Hefner Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salisbury, NC, 28144, USA
| | - Shiroh Kishioka
- Department of Pharmacology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama City, Wakayama, 641-0012, Japan
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13
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Meng J, Chen W, Wang J. Interventions in the B-type natriuretic peptide signalling pathway as a means of controlling chronic itch. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:1025-1040. [PMID: 31877230 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic itch poses major health care and economic burdens worldwide. In 2013, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) was identified as an itch-selective neuropeptide and shown to be both necessary and sufficient to produce itch behaviour in mice. Since then, mechanistic studies of itch have increased, not only at central levels of the spinal relay of itch signalling but also in the periphery and skin. In this review, we have critically analysed recent findings from complementary pharmacological and physiological approaches, combined with genetic strategies to examine the role of BNP in itch transduction and modulation of other pruritic proteins. Additionally, potential targets and possible strategies against BNP signalling are discussed for developing novel therapeutics in itch. Overall, we aim to provide insights into drug development by altering BNP signalling to modulate disease symptoms in chronic itch, including conditions for which no approved treatment exists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianghui Meng
- School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Henan, China.,National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland.,School of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Health, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Weiwei Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Henan, China
| | - Jiafu Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Henan, China.,School of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Health, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
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14
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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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15
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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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16
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Dong X, Dong X. Peripheral and Central Mechanisms of Itch. Neuron 2019; 98:482-494. [PMID: 29723501 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2018.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 222] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Itch is a unique sensory experience that is encoded by genetically distinguishable neurons both in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and central nervous system (CNS) to elicit a characteristic behavioral response (scratching). Itch interacts with the other sensory modalities at multiple locations, from its initiation in a particular dermatome to its transmission to the brain where it is finally perceived. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the molecular and neural mechanisms of itch by starting in the periphery, where itch is initiated, and discussing the circuits involved in itch processing in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xintong Dong
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience and the Center for Sensory Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Xinzhong Dong
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience and the Center for Sensory Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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17
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Abstract
Recent studies have made significant progress in identifying distinct populations of peripheral neurons involved in itch transmission, whereas the cellular identity of spinal interneurons that contribute to itch processing is still a debate. Combining genetic and pharmacological ablation of spinal excitatory neuronal subtypes and behavioral assays, we demonstrate that spinal somatostatin-positive (SOM) excitatory interneurons transmit pruritic sensation. We found that the ablation of spinal SOM/Lbx1 (SOM) neurons caused significant attenuation of scratching responses evoked by various chemical pruritogens (chemical itch). In an attempt to identify substrates of spinal itch neural circuit, we observed that spinal SOM neurons partially overlapped with neurons expressing natriuretic peptide receptor A (Npra), the receptor of peripheral itch transmitter B-type natriuretic peptide. Spinal SOM neurons, however, did not show any overlap with itch transmission neurons expressing gastrin-releasing peptide receptor in the dorsal spinal cord, and the gastrin-releasing peptide-triggered scratching responses were intact after ablating spinal SOM neurons. Dual ablation of SOM and Npra neurons in the spinal cord reduced chemical itch responses to a greater extent than ablation of SOM or Npra neurons alone, suggesting the existence of parallel spinal pathways transmitting chemical itch. Furthermore, we showed that SOM peptide modulated itch processing through disinhibition of somatostatin receptor 2A-positive inhibitory interneuron. Together, our findings reveal a novel spinal mechanism for sensory encoding of itch perception.
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18
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Abstract
Chronic, persistent itch is a devastating symptom that causes much suffering. In recent years, there has been great progress made in understanding the molecules, cells, and circuits underlying itch sensation. Once thought to be carried by pain-sensing neurons, itch is now believed to be capable of being transmitted by dedicated sensory labeled lines. Members of the Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor (Mrgpr) family demarcate an itch-specific labeled line in the peripheral nervous system. In the spinal cord, the expression of other proteins identifies additional populations of itch-dedicated sensory neurons. However, as evidence for labeled-line coding has mounted, studies promoting alternative itch-coding strategies have emerged, complicating our understanding of the neural basis of itch. In this review, we cover the molecules, cells, and circuits related to understanding the neural basis of itch, with a focus on the role of Mrgprs in mediating itch sensation.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Meixiong
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience and the Center for Sensory Biology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA; ,
| | - Xinzhong Dong
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience and the Center for Sensory Biology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA; , .,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
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19
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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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20
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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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21
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Yu YQ, Barry DM, Hao Y, Liu XT, Chen ZF. Molecular and neural basis of contagious itch behavior in mice. Science 2017; 355:1072-1076. [PMID: 28280205 DOI: 10.1126/science.aak9748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Socially contagious itch is ubiquitous in human society, but whether it exists in rodents is unclear. Using a behavioral paradigm that does not entail prior training or reward, we found that mice scratched after observing a conspecific scratching. Molecular mapping showed increased neuronal activity in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus of mice that displayed contagious scratching. Ablation of gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) or GRPR neurons in the SCN abolished contagious scratching behavior, which was recapitulated by chemogenetic inhibition of SCN GRP neurons. Activation of SCN GRP/GRPR neurons evoked scratching behavior. These data demonstrate that GRP-GRPR signaling is necessary and sufficient for transmitting contagious itch information in the SCN. The findings may have implications for our understanding of neural circuits that control socially contagious behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Qing Yu
- 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.,Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710038, China
| | - 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
| | - Yan Hao
- 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
| | - 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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Abstract
Peripheral itch stimuli are transmitted by sensory neurons to the spinal cord dorsal horn, which then transmits the information to the brain. The molecular and cellular mechanisms within the dorsal horn for itch transmission have only been investigated and identified during the past ten years. This review covers the progress that has been made in identifying the peptide families in sensory neurons and the receptor families in dorsal horn neurons as putative itch transmitters, with a focus on gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP)-GRP receptor signaling. Also discussed are the signaling mechanisms, including opioids, by which various types of itch are transmitted and modulated, as well as the many conflicting results arising from recent studies.
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23
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Takanami K, Inoue K, Mukai H, Tamura K, Jogahara T, Oda SI, Kawata M, Sakamoto T, Sakamoto H. Comparative Anatomy of Gastrin-releasing Peptide Pathways in the Trigeminal Sensory System of Mouse and the Asian House Musk Shrew Suncus murinus. Acta Histochem Cytochem 2016; 49:181-190. [PMID: 28127106 PMCID: PMC5263228 DOI: 10.1267/ahc.16030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) has recently been identified as an itch-signaling molecule in the primary afferents and spinal cord of rodents. However, little information exists on the expression and localization of GRP in the trigeminal somatosensory system other than in rats. We examined the generality of the trigeminal GRP system in mammals using two distinct species, suncus as a model of specialized placental mammals known to have a well-developed trigeminal sensory system and mice as a representative small laboratory animal. We first analyzed the gross morphology of the trigeminal somatosensory system in suncus to provide a brainstem atlas on which to map GRP distribution. Immunohistochemical analyses showed that 8% of trigeminal ganglion neurons in suncus and 6% in mice expressed GRP. Expression was restricted to cells with smaller somata. The GRP-containing fibers were densely distributed in the superficial layers of the caudal part of the trigeminal spinal nucleus (Vc) but rare in the rostral parts, both in suncus and mice. Expression of GRP receptor mRNA and protein was also detected in the Vc of suncus. Taken together, these results suggest that the trigeminal GRP system mediating itch sensation is conserved in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiko Takanami
- Ushimado Marine Institute (UMI), Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University
- Anatomy and Neurobiology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine
| | - Kaihei Inoue
- Anatomy and Neurobiology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine
| | - Hiroki Mukai
- Anatomy and Neurobiology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine
| | - Kei Tamura
- Ushimado Marine Institute (UMI), Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University
| | - Takamichi Jogahara
- Laboratory of Animal Management and Resources, Department of Zoology, Okayama University of Science
- Division of Bio-resources, Department of Biotechnology, Frontier Science Research Center, University of Miyazaki
| | - Sen-ichi Oda
- Laboratory of Animal Management and Resources, Department of Zoology, Okayama University of Science
| | - Mitsuhiro Kawata
- Anatomy and Neurobiology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine
- School of Health Science, Bukkyo University
| | - Tatsuya Sakamoto
- Ushimado Marine Institute (UMI), Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University
| | - Hirotaka Sakamoto
- Ushimado Marine Institute (UMI), Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University
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24
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Electrophysiological properties of brain-natriuretic peptide- and gastrin-releasing peptide-responsive dorsal horn neurons in spinal itch transmission. Neurosci Lett 2016; 627:51-60. [PMID: 27235577 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2016.05.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Revised: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Spinal itch transmission has been reported to be mediated by at least two neuronal populations in spinal dorsal horn, neurons expressing brain-natriuretic peptide (BNP) receptor (Npra) and gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) receptor (GRPR). Although Npra-expressing neurons were shown to be upstream of GRPR- expressing neurons in spinal itch transmission, the roles of BNP and GRP in the spinal neurotransmission of histamine-dependent and -independent itch remains unclear. Using in vivo electrophysiology and behavior analysis, this study examined the responses of chloroquine (histamine-independent pruritogen)-responsive and histamine-responsive dorsal horn neurons to spinal applications of BNP and GRP. Electrophysiologically, 9.5% of chloroquine-responsive neurons responded to BNP, 33.3% to GRP, and 4.8% to both, indicating that almost half of chloroquine-responsive neurons were unresponsive to both BNP and GRP. In contrast, histamine-responsive neurons did not respond to spinal BNP application, whereas 30% responded to spinal GRP application, indicating that 70% of histamine-responsive neurons were unresponsive to both BNP and GRP. Behavioral analyses showed differences in the time-course and frequency of scratching responses evoked by intrathecal BNP and GRP. These findings provide evidence that most BNP-Npra and GRP-GRPR signaling involve different pathways of spinal itch transmission, and that multiple neurotransmitters, in addition to BNP and GRP, are involved in spinal itch transmission. The electrophysiological results also suggest that spinal BNP contributes little to histaminergic itch directly.
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