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Sheahan TD, Warwick CA, Cui AY, Baranger DAA, Perry VJ, Smith KM, Manalo AP, Nguyen EK, Koerber HR, Ross SE. Kappa opioids inhibit spinal output neurons to suppress itch. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadp6038. [PMID: 39321286 PMCID: PMC11423883 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adp6038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024]
Abstract
Itch is a protective sensation that drives scratching. Although specific cell types have been proposed to underlie itch, the neural basis for itch remains unclear. Here, we used two-photon Ca2+ imaging of the dorsal horn to visualize neuronal populations that are activated by itch-inducing agents. We identify a convergent population of spinal interneurons recruited by diverse itch-causing stimuli that represents a subset of neurons that express the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR). Moreover, we find that itch is conveyed to the brain via GRPR-expressing spinal output neurons that target the lateral parabrachial nuclei. We then show that the kappa opioid receptor agonist nalfurafine relieves itch by selectively inhibiting GRPR spinoparabrachial neurons. These experiments provide a population-level view of the spinal neurons that respond to pruritic stimuli, pinpoint the output neurons that convey itch to the brain, and identify the cellular target of kappa opioid receptor agonists for the inhibition of itch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tayler D Sheahan
- Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research and Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Charles A Warwick
- Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research and Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Abby Y Cui
- Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research and Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - David A A Baranger
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Vijay J Perry
- Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research and Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kelly M Smith
- Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research and Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Allison P Manalo
- Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research and Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Eileen K Nguyen
- Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research and Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - H Richard Koerber
- Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research and Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sarah E Ross
- Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research and Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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2
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Xia GQ, Xu M, Sun C, Zhang ZL, Li XQ. Elevated microRNA-214-3p level ameliorates neuroinflammation after spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury by inhibiting Nmb/Cav3.2 pathway. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 133:112031. [PMID: 38631219 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112031] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuromedin B (Nmb) plays a pivotal role in the transmission of neuroinflammation, particularly during spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury (SCII). However, the detailed molecular mechanisms underlying this process remain elusive. METHODS The SCII model was established by clamping the abdominal aorta of male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats for 60 min. The protein expression levels of Nmb, Cav3.2, and IL-1β were detected by Western blotting, while miR-214-3p expression was quantified by qRT-PCR. The targeted regulation between miR-214-3p and Nmb was investigated using a dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. The cellular localization of Nmb and Cav3.2 with cell-specific markers was visualized by immunofluorescence staining. The specific roles of miR-214-3p on the Nmb/Cav3.2 interactions in SCII-injured rats were explored by intrathecal injection of Cav3.2-siRNA, PD168368 (a specific NmbR inhibitor) and synthetic miR-214-3p agomir and antagomir in separate experiments. Additionally, hind-limb motor function was evaluated using the modified Tarlov scores. RESULTS Compared to the Sham group, the protein expression levels of Nmb, Cav3.2, and the proinflammatory factor Interleukin(IL)-1β were significantly elevated at 24 h post-SCII. Intrathecal injection of PD168368 and Cav3.2-siRNA significantly suppressed the expression of Cav3.2 and IL-1β compared to the SCII group. The miRDB database and dual-luciferase reporter gene assay identified Nmb as a direct target of miR-214-3p. As expected, in vivo overexpression of miR-214-3p by agomir-214-3p pretreatment significantly inhibited the increases in Nmb, Cav3.2 and IL-1β expression and improved lower limb motor function in SCII-injured rats, while antagomiR-214-3p pretreatment reversed these effects. CONCLUSIONS Nmb protein levels positively correlated with Cav3.2 expression in SCII rats. Upregulating miR-214-3p ameliorated hind-limb motor function and protected against neuroinflammation via inhibiting the aberrant Nmb/Cav3.2 interactions and downstream IL-1β release. These findings provide novel therapeutic targets for clinical prevention and treatment of SCII.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Qiang Xia
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, Liaoning, China
| | - Miao Xu
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, Liaoning, China
| | - Cong Sun
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, Liaoning, China
| | - Zai-Li Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, Liaoning, China.
| | - Xiao-Qian Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, Liaoning, China.
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3
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Takanami K, Kuroiwa M, Ishikawa R, Imai Y, Oishi A, Hashino M, Shimoda Y, Sakamoto H, Koide T. Function of gastrin-releasing peptide receptors in ocular itch transmission in the mouse trigeminal sensory system. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1280024. [PMID: 38098939 PMCID: PMC10719851 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1280024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis in itchy eyes has increased constantly worldwide owing to environmental pollution. Currently, anti-allergic and antihistaminic eye drops are used; however, there are many unknown aspects about the neural circuits that transmit itchy eyes. We focused on the gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) and GRP receptor (GRPR), which are reportedly involved in itch transmission in the spinal somatosensory system, to determine whether the GRP system is involved in itch neurotransmission of the eyes in the trigeminal sensory system. First, the instillation of itch mediators, such as histamine (His) and non-histaminergic itch mediator chloroquine (CQ), exhibited concentration-dependent high levels of eye scratching behavior, with a significant sex differences observed in the case of His. Histological analysis revealed that His and CQ significantly increased the neural activity of GRPR-expressing neurons in the caudal part of the spinal trigeminal nucleus of the medulla oblongata in GRPR transgenic mice. We administered a GRPR antagonist or bombesin-saporin to ablate GRPR-expressing neurons, followed by His or CQ instillation, and observed a decrease in CQ-induced eye-scratching behavior in the toxin experiments. Intracisternal administration of neuromedin C (NMC), a GRPR agonist, resulted in dose-dependent excessive facial scratching behavior, despite the absence of an itch stimulus on the face. To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate that non-histaminergic itchy eyes were transmitted centrally via GRPR-expressing neurons in the trigeminal sensory system, and that NMC in the medulla oblongata evoked facial itching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiko Takanami
- Mouse Genomics Resource Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics (NIG), Mishima, Japan
- Genetics, Research Organization of Information and Systems, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), Mishima, Japan
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Human Life and Environmental Sciences, Nara Women’s University, Nara, Japan
| | - Masaya Kuroiwa
- Department of Materials Science and Bioengineering, Nagaoka University of Technology, Nagaoka, Japan
| | - Ren Ishikawa
- Department of Materials Science and Bioengineering, Nagaoka University of Technology, Nagaoka, Japan
| | - Yuji Imai
- Mouse Genomics Resource Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics (NIG), Mishima, Japan
- Technical Section, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan
| | - Akane Oishi
- Mouse Genomics Resource Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics (NIG), Mishima, Japan
- Technical Section, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan
| | - Midori Hashino
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Human Life and Environmental Sciences, Nara Women’s University, Nara, Japan
| | - Yasushi Shimoda
- Department of Materials Science and Bioengineering, Nagaoka University of Technology, Nagaoka, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Sakamoto
- Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Ushimado Marine Institute (UMI), Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science, and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Koide
- Mouse Genomics Resource Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics (NIG), Mishima, Japan
- Genetics, Research Organization of Information and Systems, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), Mishima, Japan
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4
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Sheahan TD, Warwick CA, Cui AY, Baranger DA, Perry VJ, Smith KM, Manalo AP, Nguyen EK, Koerber HR, Ross SE. Identification of a convergent spinal neuron population that encodes itch. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.29.560205. [PMID: 37873278 PMCID: PMC10592866 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.29.560205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Itch is a protective sensation that drives scratching. Although specific cell types have been proposed to underlie itch, the neural circuit basis for itch remains unclear. Here, we used two-photon Ca2+ imaging of the dorsal horn to visualize the neuronal populations that are activated by itch-inducing agents. We identify a convergent population of spinal neurons that is defined by the expression of GRPR. Moreover, we discover that itch is conveyed to the brain via GRPR-expressing spinal output neurons that target the lateral parabrachial nucleus. Further, we show that nalfurafine, a clinically effective kappa opioid receptor agonist, relieves itch by inhibiting GRPR spinoparabrachial neurons. Finally, we demonstrate that a subset of GRPR spinal neurons show persistent, cell-intrinsic Ca2+ oscillations. These experiments provide the first population-level view of the spinal neurons that respond to pruritic stimuli, pinpoint the output neurons that convey itch to the brain, and identify the cellular target of kappa opioid receptor agonists for the inhibition of itch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tayler D. Sheahan
- Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research and Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Co-first authors
| | - Charles A. Warwick
- Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research and Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Co-first authors
| | - Abby Y. Cui
- Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research and Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - David A.A. Baranger
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis Missouri, USA
| | - Vijay J. Perry
- Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research and Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kelly M. Smith
- Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research and Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Current Address: Biohaven Pharmaceuticals, LTD, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Allison P. Manalo
- Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research and Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Eileen K. Nguyen
- Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research and Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Current Address: Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Care, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - H. Richard Koerber
- Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research and Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sarah E. Ross
- Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research and Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Lead contact
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5
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Takanami K, Oti T, Kobayashi Y, Hasegawa K, Ito T, Tsutsui N, Ueda Y, Carstens E, Sakamoto T, Sakamoto H. Characterization of the expression of gastrin-releasing peptide and its receptor in the trigeminal and spinal somatosensory systems of Japanese macaque monkeys: Insight into humans. J Comp Neurol 2022; 530:2804-2819. [PMID: 35686563 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) and its receptor (GRPR) have been identified as itch mediators in the spinal and trigeminal somatosensory systems in rodents. In primates, there are few reports of GRP/GRPR expression or function in the spinal sensory system and virtually nothing is known in the trigeminal system. The aim of the present study was to characterize GRP and GRPR in the trigeminal and spinal somatosensory system of Japanese macaque monkeys (Macaca fuscata). cDNA encoding GRP was isolated from the macaque dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and exhibited an amino acid sequence that was highly conserved among mammals and especially in primates. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that GRP was expressed mainly in the small-sized trigeminal ganglion and DRG in adult macaque monkeys. Densely stained GRP-immunoreactive (ir) fibers were observed in superficial layers of the spinal trigeminal nucleus caudalis (Sp5C) and the spinal cord. In contrast, GRP-ir fibers were rarely observed in the principal sensory trigeminal nucleus and oral and interpolar divisions of the spinal trigeminal nucleus. cDNA cloning, in situ hybridization, and Western blot revealed substantial expression of GRPR mRNA and GRPR protein in the macaque spinal dorsal horn and Sp5C. Our Western ligand blot and ligand derivative stain for GRPR revealed that GRP directly bound in the macaque Sp5C and spinal dorsal horn as reported in rodents. Finally, GRP-ir fibers were also detected in the human spinal dorsal horn. The spinal and trigeminal itch neural circuits labeled with GRP and GRPR appear to function also in primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiko Takanami
- Ushimado Marine Institute (UMI), Okayama University, Okayama, Japan.,Department of Genetics, Mouse Genomics Resources Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, Sokendai (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Shizuoka, Japan.,Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.,Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Takumi Oti
- Ushimado Marine Institute (UMI), Okayama University, Okayama, Japan.,Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Kanagawa University, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yasuhisa Kobayashi
- Ushimado Marine Institute (UMI), Okayama University, Okayama, Japan.,Department of Aquatic Biology, Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture, Kindai University, Nara, Japan
| | - Koki Hasegawa
- Center for Instrumental Analysis, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Kyoto, Japan.,Theranostic Pharmaceuticals Laboratory, Department of Radiological Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Takashi Ito
- Ushimado Marine Institute (UMI), Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Naoaki Tsutsui
- Ushimado Marine Institute (UMI), Okayama University, Okayama, Japan.,Department of Marine Bioresources, Mie University, Mie, Japan
| | - Yasumasa Ueda
- Department of Physiology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.,Department of Physiology, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Earl Carstens
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Tatsuya Sakamoto
- Ushimado Marine Institute (UMI), Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
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6
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Zhang J, Zhou H, Li P, Shi H, Sui X, Wang Y, Shi J, Wang L. Hypothalamic response with PKA/CREB signaling is associated with direct cerebroventricular administration of bombesin-induced scratching. Brain Res 2022; 1789:147950. [PMID: 35618015 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2022.147950] [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: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Bombesin (BN) is an itch-specific mediator that causes intense itch-scratching activity in mammals. Although most examinations of BN-induced itch processing have focused on the spinal cord, the involvement of central nervous system mechanisms remains unclear. Here, we investigated how relationships among hypothalamic regions regulate BN-mediated itch-scratch processes. We found that intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of BN (0.04-4 μg) elicited intense itch scratching in mice, whereas BN (0.4-400 μg) administered via intravenous tail injection failed to evoke a scratching response. Additionally, nalfurafine had no significant effects on BN-induced scratching behavior, indicating that central modulation of BN is distinct from histamine-mediated histaminergic itch and chloroquine-mediated non-histaminergic itch signaling pathways. We labeled BN with a fluorescent tag, 7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1 (NBD), and traced its fluorescence in the hypothalamus for 30 min following i.c.v. NBD-BN administration. Accordingly, we confirmed that i.c.v. administration of BN enhanced c-Fos expression in the dorsal medial nucleus of the hypothalamus, where neuromedin B receptors and gastrin-releasing peptide receptors are highly expressed. Interestingly, in situ injection of BN into the hypothalamus immediately and robustly induced itch-scratching behavior. Moreover, gene transcripts and western blot assay revealed that BN receptor-dependent PKA/CREB signaling was upregulated in the hypothalamus after i.c.v. administration of BN. Consistently, pretreatment with a PKA inhibitor, Rp-cAMP, significantly reduced BN-induced scratching behavior. Our results indicate that the dorsal medial nucleus of the hypothalamus may be a key nucleus in mediating BN-mediated itch and hypothalamic PKA/CREB signaling is involved in regulating BN-mediated itch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingxin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China; The Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of the Educational Minister, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China.
| | - Hu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China.
| | - Pengfei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China.
| | - Huaxiang Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China.
| | - Xin Sui
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China.
| | - Yongan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China.
| | - Jingshan Shi
- The Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of the Educational Minister, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China.
| | - Liyun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China.
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7
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Saeki A, Yamanaka H, Kobayashi K, Okubo M, Noguchi K. Analgesic effect of gastrin-releasing peptide in the dorsal horn. Mol Pain 2022; 18:17448069221108965. [PMID: 35815426 PMCID: PMC9277428 DOI: 10.1177/17448069221108965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Itch and pain are both unpleasant, but they are discrete sensations. Both of these
sensations are transmitted by C-fibers and processed in laminae I-II of the dorsal horn.
To examine whether pruriception modulates pain, we first confirmed the activation of cells
in the itch-related circuits that were positive for gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) and
GRP receptor (GRPR) using a paw formalin injection model. This pain model with typical
biphasic pain behavior increased c-Fos but did not affect the expressions of
GRP and GRPR mRNAs in the dorsal horn. Using c-Fos
expression as a marker for activated cells, we confirmed that formalin injection increased
the number of cells double-labeled for c-Fos and GRP or GRPR in the dorsal horn. The
emergence of these neurons indicates the activation of itch-related circuits by acute pain
signals. The effect of an antagonist for a GRPR was examined in the paw formalin injection
model. Intrathecal chronic antagonization of spinal GRPR enhanced the onset of phase II of
paw formalin injection-induced pain behavior. Exogenous intrathecal GRP infusion to the
paw-formalin injection model not only showed significant reduction of pain behavior but
also increased c-Fos in the inhibitory neurons in the dorsal horn. The anti-nociceptive
effect of spinal GRP infusion was observed in the peripheral inflammation model (complete
Freund’s adjuvant injection model). In this study we suggest that painful stimuli
activated itch-related neuronal circuits and uncovered the spinal activation of the
itch-induced analgesic effect on acute and established inflammatory pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayano Saeki
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, 12818Hyogo Medical University, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, Japan.,Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, 12818Hyogo Medical University, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Hiroki Yamanaka
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, 12818Hyogo Medical University, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Kimiko Kobayashi
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, 12818Hyogo Medical University, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Masamichi Okubo
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, 12818Hyogo Medical University, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Koichi Noguchi
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, 12818Hyogo Medical University, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, Japan
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8
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Kiguchi N, Ding H, Park SH, Mabry KM, Kishioka S, Shiozawa Y, Alfonso Romero-Sandoval E, Peters CM, Ko MC. Functional roles of neuromedin B and gastrin-releasing peptide in regulating itch and pain in the spinal cord of non-human primates. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 198:114972. [PMID: 35189108 PMCID: PMC10980179 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.114972] [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: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Despite accumulating evidence in rodents, the functional role of neuromedin B (NMB) in regulating somatosensory systems in primate spinal cord is unknown. We aimed to compare the expression patterns of NMB and its receptor (NMBR) and the behavioral effects of intrathecal (i.t.) NMB with gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) on itch or pain in non-human primates (NHPs). We used six adult rhesus monkeys. The mRNA or protein expressions of NMB, GRP, and their receptors were evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, or in situ hybridization. We determined the behavioral effects of NMB or GRP via acute thermal nociception, capsaicin-induced thermal allodynia, and itch scratching response assays. NMB expression levels were greater than those of GRP in the dorsal root ganglia and spinal dorsal horn. Conversely, NMBR expression was significantly lower than GRP receptor (GRPR). I.t. NMB elicited only mild scratching responses, whereas GRP caused robust scratching responses. GRP- and NMB-elicited scratching responses were attenuated by GRPR (RC-3095) and NMBR (PD168368) antagonists, respectively. Moreover, i.t. NMB and GRP did not induce thermal hypersensitivity and GRPR and NMBR antagonists did not affect peripherally elicited thermal allodynia. Consistently, NMBR expression was low in both itch- and pain-responsive neurons in the spinal dorsal horn. Spinal NMB-NMBR system plays a minimal functional role in the neurotransmission of itch and pain in primates. Unlike the functional significance of the GRP-GRPR system in itch, drugs targeting the spinal NMB-NMBR system may not effectively alleviate non-NMBR-mediated itch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norikazu Kiguchi
- Department of Physiological Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama City, Wakayama 640-8156, Japan.
| | - Huiping Ding
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Sun H Park
- Department of Cancer Biology and Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Kelsey M Mabry
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Shiroh Kishioka
- Faculty of Wakayama Health Care Sciences, Takarazuka University of Medical and Health Care, Wakayama City, Wakayama 640-8392, Japan
| | - Yusuke Shiozawa
- Department of Cancer Biology and Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | | | - Christopher M Peters
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Mei-Chuan Ko
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA.
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9
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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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10
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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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11
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Translational value of non-human primates in opioid research. Exp Neurol 2021; 338:113602. [PMID: 33453211 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2021.113602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Preclinical opioid research using animal models not only provides mechanistic insights into the modulation of opioid analgesia and its associated side effects, but also validates drug candidates for improved treatment options for opioid use disorder. Non-human primates (NHPs) have served as a surrogate species for humans in opioid research for more than five decades. The translational value of NHP models is supported by the documented species differences between rodents and primates regarding their behavioral and physiological responses to opioid-related ligands and that NHP studies have provided more concordant results with human studies. This review highlights the utilization of NHP models in five aspects of opioid research, i.e., analgesia, abuse liability, respiratory depression, physical dependence, and pruritus. Recent NHP studies have found that (1) mixed mu opioid and nociceptin/orphanin FQ peptide receptor partial agonists appear to be safe, non-addictive analgesics and (2) mu opioid receptor- and mixed opioid receptor subtype-based medications remain the only two classes of drugs that are effective in alleviating opioid-induced adverse effects. Given the recent advances in pharmaceutical sciences and discoveries of novel targets, NHP studies are posed to identify the translational gap and validate therapeutic targets for the treatment of opioid use disorder. Pharmacological studies using NHPs along with multiple outcome measures (e.g., behavior, physiologic function, and neuroimaging) will continue to facilitate the research and development of improved medications to curb the opioid epidemic.
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12
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Spinal Inhibitory Ptf1a-Derived Neurons Prevent Self-Generated Itch. Cell Rep 2020; 33:108422. [PMID: 33238109 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic itch represents an incapacitating burden on patients suffering from a spectrum of diseases. Despite recent advances in our understanding of the cells and circuits implicated in the processing of itch information, chronic itch often presents itself without an apparent cause. Here, we identify a spinal subpopulation of inhibitory neurons defined by the expression of Ptf1a, involved in gating mechanosensory information self-generated during movement. These neurons receive tactile and motor input and establish presynaptic inhibitory contacts on mechanosensory afferents. Loss of Ptf1a neurons leads to increased hairy skin sensitivity and chronic itch, partially mediated by the classic itch pathway involving gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) spinal neurons. Conversely, chemogenetic activation of GRPR neurons elicits itch, which is suppressed by concomitant activation of Ptf1a neurons. These findings shed light on the circuit mechanisms implicated in chronic itch and open novel targets for therapy developments.
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13
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Ding H, Kiguchi N, Perrey DA, Nguyen T, Czoty PW, Hsu FC, Zhang Y, Ko MC. Antinociceptive, reinforcing, and pruritic effects of the G-protein signalling-biased mu opioid receptor agonist PZM21 in non-human primates. Br J Anaesth 2020; 125:596-604. [PMID: 32819621 DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2020.06.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A novel G-protein signalling-biased mu opioid peptide (MOP) receptor agonist, PZM21, was recently developed with a distinct chemical structure. It is a potent Gi/o activator with minimal β-arrestin-2 recruitment. Despite intriguing activity in rodent models, PZM21 function in non-human primates is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate PZM21 actions after systemic or intrathecal administration in primates. METHODS Antinociceptive, reinforcing, and pruritic effects of PZM21 were compared with those of the clinically used MOP receptor agonists oxycodone and morphine in assays of acute thermal nociception, capsaicin-induced thermal allodynia, itch scratching responses, and drug self-administration in gonadally intact, adult rhesus macaques (10 males, six females). RESULTS After subcutaneous administration, PZM21 (1.0-6.0 mg kg-1) and oxycodone (0.1-0.6 mg kg-1) induced dose-dependent thermal antinociceptive effects (P<0.05); PZM21 was 10 times less potent than oxycodone. PZM21 exerted oxycodone-like reinforcing effects and strength as determined by two operant schedules of reinforcement in the intravenous drug self-administration assay. After intrathecal administration, PZM21 (0.03-0.3 mg) dose-dependently attenuated capsaicin-induced thermal allodynia (P<0.05). Although intrathecal PZM21 and morphine induced MOP receptor-mediated antiallodynic effects, both compounds induced robust, long-lasting itch scratching. CONCLUSIONS PZM21 induced antinociceptive, reinforcing, and pruritic effects similar to clinically used MOP receptor agonists in primates. Although structure-based discovery of PZM21 identified a novel avenue for studying G-protein signalling-biased ligands, biasing an agonist towards G-protein signalling pathways did not determine or alter reinforcing (i.e. abuse potential) or pruritic effects of MOP receptor agonists in a translationally relevant non-human primate model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiping Ding
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Norikazu Kiguchi
- Department of Pharmacology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - David A Perrey
- Center for Drug Discovery, Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Thuy Nguyen
- Center for Drug Discovery, Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Paul W Czoty
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Fang-Chi Hsu
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Center for Drug Discovery, Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - Mei-Chuan Ko
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA; W.G. Hefner Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salisbury, NC, USA.
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14
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Bell AM, Gutierrez-Mecinas M, Stevenson A, Casas-Benito A, Wildner H, West SJ, Watanabe M, Todd AJ. Expression of green fluorescent protein defines a specific population of lamina II excitatory interneurons in the GRP::eGFP mouse. Sci Rep 2020; 10:13176. [PMID: 32764601 PMCID: PMC7411045 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69711-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Dorsal horn excitatory interneurons that express gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) are part of the circuit for pruritogen-evoked itch. They have been extensively studied in a transgenic line in which enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) is expressed under control of the Grp gene. The GRP-eGFP cells are separate from several other neurochemically-defined excitatory interneuron populations, and correspond to a class previously defined as transient central cells. However, mRNA for GRP is widely distributed among excitatory interneurons in superficial dorsal horn. Here we show that although Grp mRNA is present in several transcriptomically-defined populations, eGFP is restricted to a discrete subset of cells in the GRP::eGFP mouse, some of which express the neuromedin receptor 2 and likely belong to a cluster defined as Glut8. We show that these cells receive much of their excitatory synaptic input from MrgA3/MrgD-expressing nociceptive/pruritoceptive afferents and C-low threshold mechanoreceptors. Although the cells were not innervated by pruritoceptors expressing brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) most of them contained mRNA for NPR1, the receptor for BNP. In contrast, these cells received only ~ 10% of their excitatory input from other interneurons. These findings demonstrate that the GRP-eGFP cells constitute a discrete population of excitatory interneurons with a characteristic pattern of synaptic input.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Bell
- Spinal Cord Group, Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Sir James Black Building, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK.
| | - Maria Gutierrez-Mecinas
- Spinal Cord Group, Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Sir James Black Building, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Anna Stevenson
- Spinal Cord Group, Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Sir James Black Building, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Adrian Casas-Benito
- Spinal Cord Group, Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Sir James Black Building, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Hendrik Wildner
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland.,Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Steven J West
- The Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Masahiko Watanabe
- Department of Anatomy, Hokkaido University School of Medicine, Sapporo, 060-8638, Japan
| | - Andrew J Todd
- Spinal Cord Group, Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Sir James Black Building, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK.
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15
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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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16
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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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17
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Yu MJ, Yao S, Li TT, Yang R, Yao RS. Dual Anti-cancer and Anti-Itch Activity of PD176252 Analogues: Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2019; 19:992-1001. [DOI: 10.2174/1871520619666190408133141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 10/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Background:
Cancer patients treated with targeted anti-cancer drug suffer from itch or pruritus. Itch
or pruritus is an unpleasant sensation that brings about a negative impact on quality of life, and serious itch may
lead to dose reduction and even discontinuation. Gastrin releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) plays a critical role
in itch, inflammation and cancer, and GRPR antagonist has obvious effect on cancer, inflammation and itch. The
aim of this paper is to develop a new agent with anti-cancer and anti-itch activity.
Methods:
A series of GRPR antagonist PD176252 analogues (3a-3l) were designed and synthesized. Both anticancer
and anti-itch activities were evaluated. Anti-cancer activity was evaluated in three human cancer cell
lines in vitro, the anti-itch activity in evaluated with Kunming mice by intrathecal injection of chloroquine
phosphate as a modeling medium. And the cytotoxicity on normal cells was evaluated.
Results:
Of the tested compounds, compound 3i showed potently anti-cancer activity to all cancer cell lines
tested with IC50 values of 10.5µM (lung), 11.6µM (breast) and 12.8µM (liver) respectively and it also showed
significant inhibition of the scratching behavior. Comparing with PD17625, compound 3i and 3g gave better
inhibition activities against all cancer cell lines, compound 3b, 3c and 3i showed better anti-itch activity. The
compound 3i is safe for normal breast and liver normal cells, but it has high cytotoxicity on normal lung cell.
Conclusion:
The synthesized compounds have dual anti-cancer and anti-itch activity, so the development of
drug with dual anti-tumor and anti-itch property is possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Jun Yu
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Sen Yao
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Ting-Ting Li
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Rui Yang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Ri-Sheng Yao
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
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18
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EHLING S, FUKUYAMA T, KO MC, OLIVRY T, BÄUMER W. Neuromedin B Induces Acute Itch in Mice via the Activation of Peripheral Sensory Neurons. Acta Derm Venereol 2019; 99:587-893. [PMID: 30734045 PMCID: PMC9083373 DOI: 10.2340/00015555-3143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuromedin B is expressed in nociceptive and itch-sensitive dorsal root ganglia neurons, but its peripheral pruritogenic potential is not well described. The potential of neuromedin B as a pruritogen and pro-inflammatory peptide in the skin was tested in vivo in an acute model in mice and monkeys as well as an allergic dermatitis model in mice. To identify the underlying mechanisms in vitro real time PCR analysis for neuromedin B and its receptor expression in murine mast cells and dorsal root ganglia as well as functional calcium imaging in the ganglia was applied. Neuromedin B induces itch when injected intradermally, and the peripheral signal is likely transmitted through the activation of dorsal root ganglia. Thus, neuromedin B could be an interesting new therapeutic target for peripheral processing of itch at the level of sensory neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah EHLING
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, North Carolina, USA,,Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
| | - Tomoki FUKUYAMA
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, North Carolina, USA
| | - Mei-Chuan KO
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Thierry OLIVRY
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine,,Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, North Carolina, USA
| | - Wolfgang BÄUMER
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, North Carolina, USA,,Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
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19
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BU10038 as a safe opioid analgesic with fewer side-effects after systemic and intrathecal administration in primates. Br J Anaesth 2019; 122:e146-e156. [PMID: 30916003 DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2018.10.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Revised: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The marked increase in mis-use of prescription opioids has greatly affected our society. One potential solution is to develop improved analgesics which have agonist action at both mu opioid peptide (MOP) and nociceptin/orphanin FQ peptide (NOP) receptors. BU10038 is a recently identified bifunctional MOP/NOP partial agonist. The aim of this study was to determine the functional profile of systemic or spinal delivery of BU10038 in primates after acute and chronic administration. METHODS A series of behavioural and physiological assays have been established specifically to reflect the therapeutic (analgesia) and side-effects (abuse potential, respiratory depression, itch, physical dependence, and tolerance) of opioid analgesics in rhesus monkeys. RESULTS After systemic administration, BU10038 (0.001-0.01 mg kg-1) dose-dependently produced long-lasting antinociceptive and antihypersensitive effects. Unlike the MOP agonist oxycodone, BU10038 lacked reinforcing effects (i.e. little or no abuse liability), and BU10038 did not compromise the physiological functions of primates including respiration, cardiovascular activities, and body temperature at antinociceptive doses and a 10-30-fold higher dose (0.01-0.1 mg kg-1). After intrathecal administration, BU10038 (3 μg) exerted morphine-comparable antinociception and antihypersensitivity without itch scratching responses. Unlike morphine, BU10038 did not cause the development of physical dependence and tolerance after repeated and chronic administration. CONCLUSIONS These in vivo findings demonstrate the translational potential of bifunctional MOP/NOP receptor agonists such as BU10038 as a safe, non-addictive analgesic with fewer side-effects in primates. This study strongly supports that bifunctional MOP/NOP agonists may provide improved analgesics and an alternative solution for the ongoing prescription opioid crisis.
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Abstract
The nociceptin/orphanin FQ peptide (NOP) receptor-related ligands have been demonstrated in preclinical studies for several therapeutic applications. This article highlights (1) how nonhuman primates (NHP) were used to facilitate the development and application of positron emission tomography tracers in humans; (2) effects of an endogenous NOP ligand, nociceptin/orphanin FQ, and its interaction with mu opioid peptide (MOP) receptor agonists; and (3) promising functional profiles of NOP-related agonists in NHP as analgesics and treatment for substance use disorders. NHP models offer the most phylogenetically appropriate evaluation of opioid and non-opioid receptor functions and drug effects. Based on preclinical and clinical data of ligands with mixed NOP/MOP receptor agonist activity, several factors including their intrinsic efficacies for activating NOP versus MOP receptors and different study endpoints in NHP could contribute to different pharmacological profiles. Ample evidence from NHP studies indicates that bifunctional NOP/MOP receptor agonists have opened an exciting avenue for developing safe, effective medications with fewer side effects for treating pain and drug addiction. In particular, bifunctional NOP/MOP partial agonists hold a great potential as (1) effective spinal analgesics without itch side effects; (2) safe, nonaddictive analgesics without opioid side effects such as respiratory depression; and (3) effective medications for substance use disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norikazu Kiguchi
- Department of Pharmacology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Mei-Chuan Ko
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
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21
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Gene Expression of Neurotrophins and Their Receptors in Keloids. Ann Plast Surg 2018; 81:646-652. [PMID: 30325834 DOI: 10.1097/sap.0000000000001648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess gene expression of neurotrophins and their receptors in keloids. Skin samples of normal skin and keloids were obtained from patients in the control (n = 12) and keloid (n = 12) groups, respectively. Ribonucleic acid was extracted from the skin specimens, purified, evaluated by spectrophotometry, and used to synthesize complementary DNA. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis of 84 human neurotrophin genes and their receptors was performed. Twelve genes, including heat shock 27-kDa protein 1, gastrin-releasing peptide receptor, corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 2, neuropeptide Y Y2 receptor, interleukin 6 signal transducer, nerve growth factor, metallothionein 3, B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia/lymphoma 2, cholecystokinin A receptor, persephin, galanin receptor 2, and fibroblast growth factor receptor 3, were down-regulated in keloid tissue compared with normal skin. The genes 27-kDa heat shock protein 1, gastrin-releasing peptide receptor, corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 2, nerve growth factor, metallothionein 3, B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia/lymphoma 2, and persephin protein were considered priority genes associated with keloid formation.
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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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Liu BW, Li ZX, He ZG, Liu C, Xiong J, Xiang HB. Altered expression of target genes of spinal cord in different itch models compared with capsaicin assessed by RT-qPCR validation. Oncotarget 2017; 8:74423-74433. [PMID: 29088797 PMCID: PMC5650352 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.20148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord plays a central role in the development and progression of pathogenesis of obstinate pruritus. In the current study, four groups of adult male C57Bl/6 mice were investigated; one group treated with saline, while the other groups intradermally injected with compound 48/80, histamine, α-Me-5-HT and capsaicin (algogenic substance), respectively. The intradermal microinjection of pruritic and algogenic compound resulted in a dramatic increase in the itch/algogenic behavior. Analysis of the microarray data showed that 15 genes in spinal cord (C5-C8) were differentially expressed between control group and 48/80 group, in which 9 genes were up-regulated and 6 genes were down-regulated. Furthermore, the results of RT-qPCR validation studies in C5-C8 spinal cord revealed that the 9 mRNA (Sgk1, Bag4, Fos, Ehd2, Edn3, Wdfy, Corin, 4921511E18Rik and 4930423020Rik) showed very different patterns for these different drugs, especially when comparing α-Me-5-HT and capsaicin. In three itch models, Fos and Ehd2 were up-regulated whereas Corin, 4921511E18Rik and 4930423020Rik were down-regulated. Furthermore, Corin and 4930423020Rik were down-regulated in itch model group compared to capsaicin group. Thus the application of microarray technique, coupled with RT-qPCR validation, further explain the mechanism behind itching evoked by pruritic compounds. It can contribute to our understanding of pharmacological methods for prevention or treatment of obstinate pruritus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao-Wen Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhi-Xiao Li
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhi-Gang He
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Cheng Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jun Xiong
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hong-Bing Xiang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Lee JS, Han JS, Lee K, Bang J, Lee H. The peripheral and central mechanisms underlying itch. BMB Rep 2017; 49:474-87. [PMID: 27418284 PMCID: PMC5227140 DOI: 10.5483/bmbrep.2016.49.9.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Itch is one of the most distressing sensations that substantially impair quality of life. It is a cardinal symptom of many skin diseases and is also caused by a variety of systemic disorders. Unfortunately, currently available itch medications are ineffective in many chronic itch conditions, and they often cause undesirable side effects. To develop novel therapeutic strategies, it is essential to identify primary afferent neurons that selectively respond to itch mediators as well as the central nervous system components that process the sensation of itch and initiate behavioral responses. This review summarizes recent progress in the study of itch, focusing on itch-selective receptors, signaling molecules, neuronal pathways from the primary sensory neurons to the brain, and potential decoding mechanisms based on which itch is distinguished from pain. [BMB Reports 2016; 49(9): 474-487]
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Seung Lee
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Korea
| | | | - Kyeongho Lee
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Korea
| | - Juwon Bang
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Korea
| | - Hyosang Lee
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Korea
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25
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Olivry T, Mayhew D, Paps JS, Linder KE, Peredo C, Rajpal D, Hofland H, Cote-Sierra J. Early Activation of Th2/Th22 Inflammatory and Pruritogenic Pathways in Acute Canine Atopic Dermatitis Skin Lesions. J Invest Dermatol 2016; 136:1961-1969. [PMID: 27342734 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2016.05.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Revised: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Determining inflammation and itch pathway activation in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) is fraught with the inability to precisely assess the age of skin lesions, thus affecting the analysis of time-dependent mediators. To characterize inflammatory events occurring during early experimental acute AD lesions, biopsy samples were collected 6, 24, and 48 hours after epicutaneous application of Dermatophagoides farinae house dust mites to sensitized atopic dogs. The skin transcriptome was assessed using a dog-specific microarray and quantitative PCR. Acute canine AD skin lesions had a significant up-regulation of genes encoding T helper (Th) 2 (e.g., IL4, IL5, IL13, IL31, and IL33), Th9 (IL9), and Th22 (IL22) cytokines as well as Th2-promoting chemokines such as CCL5 and CCL17. Proinflammatory (e.g., IL6, LTB, and IL18) cytokines were also up-regulated. Other known pruritogenic pathways were also activated: there was significant up-regulation of genes encoding proteases cathepsin S (CTSS), mast cell chymase (CMA1), tryptase (TPS1) and mastin, neuromedin-B (NMB), nerve growth factor (NGF), and leukotriene-synthesis enzymes (ALOX5, ALOX5AP, and LTA4H). Experimental acute canine house dust mite-induced AD lesions exhibit an activation of innate and adaptive immune responses and pruritogenic pathways similar to those seen in humans with acute AD, thereby validating this model to test innovative therapeutics modalities for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thierry Olivry
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - David Mayhew
- Computational Biology, Target Sciences, GlaxoSmithKline, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Judy S Paps
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Keith E Linder
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Carlos Peredo
- Stiefel, GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA.
| | - Deepak Rajpal
- Safety Assessment, Platform Technology and Science, GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Hans Hofland
- Stiefel, GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
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26
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Abstract
UNLABELLED The gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) and its receptor (GRPR) are important components of itch transmission. Upstream, but not downstream, aspects of GRPR signaling have been investigated extensively. We hypothesize that GRPR signals in part through the PI3Kγ/Akt pathway. We used pharmacological, electrophysiological, and behavioral approaches to further evaluate GRPR downstream signaling pathways. Our data show that GRP directly activates small-size capsaicin-sensitive DRG neurons, an effect that translates into transient calcium flux and membrane depolarization (∼ 20 mV). GRPR activation also induces Akt phosphorylation, a proxy for PI3Kγ activity, in ex vivo naive mouse spinal cords and in GRPR transiently expressing HEK293 cells. The intrathecal injection of GRP led to intense scratching, an effect largely reduced by either GRPR antagonists or PI3Kγ inhibitor. Scratching behavior was also induced by the intrathecal injection of an Akt activator. In a dry skin model of itch, we show that GRPR blockade or PI3Kγ inhibition reversed the scratching behavior. Altogether, these findings are highly suggestive that GRPR is expressed by the central terminals of DRG nociceptive afferents, which transmit itch via the PI3Kγ/Akt pathway. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Itch is the most common symptom of the skin and is related to noncutaneous diseases. It severely impairs patients' quality of life when it becomes chronic and there is no specific or effective available therapy, mainly because itch pathophysiology is not completely elucidated. Our findings indicate that the enzyme PI3Kγ is a key central mediator of itch transmission. Therefore, we suggest PI3Kγ as an attractive target for the development of new anti-pruritic drugs. With this study, we take a step forward in our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the central transmission of itch sensation.
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27
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Ma Z, Su J, Guo T, Jin M, Li X, Lei Z, Hou Y, Li X, Jia C, Zhang Z, Ahmed E. Neuromedin B and Its Receptor: Gene Cloning, Tissue Distribution and Expression Levels of the Reproductive Axis in Pigs. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0151871. [PMID: 27010315 PMCID: PMC4807040 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuromedin B is one member of a family of bombesin-like peptides, which performs a variety of physiological functions via their receptor (NMBR) in most mammals. However, the genes encoding NMB and NMBR and their functions especially reproduction of the pigs are currently not fully understood. To research the physiological functions of NMB, we cloned and analyzed the NMB and NMBR genes, and systematically investigated the expression levels of NMB and NMBR mRNA using relative real-time PCR and the distribution of NMBR by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Experimental results show that the sequences of the amino acid and gene of NMB and NMBR were highly conservative and homology in many species, Significantly, the relative RT-PCR results revealed that NMB was mainly expressed in the central nervous system (CNS), whereas NMBR is highly expressed in peripheral tissues and organs, such as endocrine tissues, glands and reproductive organs. The IHC results show that NMBR positive cells were widely distributed in the body, such as respiratory and circulatory system, digestive system, urogenital system, in lymphatic organs and in the endocrine system. We also systematically investigated expression levels of NMB and NMBR in the reproductive axis using relative real-time PCR. In sow estrous cycle, the hypothalamic levels of both NMB and NMBR mRAN were similar, but the expression levels of the pituitary were negatively correlated. Expression levels in the ovarian system are lowest in metestrus phases and highest in proestrus and estrus phases. In boar post-natal development stages, the hypothalamic, pituitary and testicular levels of NMB and NMBR mRNAs showed developmental changes on postnatal day 30, 60, 90 and 120. Taken together, this study provided molecular and morphological data necessary for further research of physiological function of NMB/NMBR system in the pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyu Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Juan Su
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Tingting Guo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Mengmeng Jin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Xiang Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Zhihai Lei
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
- * E-mail:
| | - Yuanlong Hou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Xiaoliang Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Cuicui Jia
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Ejlal Ahmed
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
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Chuquilin M, Alghalith Y, Fernandez KH. Neurocutaneous disease. J Am Acad Dermatol 2016; 74:197-212. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2015.04.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2015] [Revised: 04/06/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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29
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Morgat C, Varshney R, Vimont D, Savona-Baron C, Riès C, Chanseau C, Bertrand SS, Mishra AK, Hindié E, Fernandez P, Schulz J. A new class of radiopeptides for PET imaging of neuromedin-B receptor: 68Ga-ranatensin analogs. MEDCHEMCOMM 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c6md00131a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The neuromedin B receptor NMB-R is frequently over-expressed in tumors of the lung, pancreas, colon, carcinoids (bronchial, intestinal) and also pruritus. We have developed a new class of radiopeptide for NMB-R targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Morgat
- CHU de Bordeaux
- Service de Médecine Nucléaire
- F-33076 Bordeaux
- France
- Univ Bordeaux
| | - R. Varshney
- Division of Cyclotron and Radiopharmaceutical Sciences
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences
- New Delhi
- India 110052
| | - D. Vimont
- Univ Bordeaux
- INCIA
- UMR CNRS 5287
- F-33400 Talence
- France
| | | | - C. Riès
- Univ Bordeaux
- INCIA
- UMR CNRS 5287
- F-33400 Talence
- France
| | - C. Chanseau
- Institut de Bioimagerie
- UMS 3428
- F-33400 Talence
- France
| | | | - A. K. Mishra
- Division of Cyclotron and Radiopharmaceutical Sciences
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences
- New Delhi
- India 110052
| | - E. Hindié
- CHU de Bordeaux
- Service de Médecine Nucléaire
- F-33076 Bordeaux
- France
- Univ Bordeaux
| | - P. Fernandez
- CHU de Bordeaux
- Service de Médecine Nucléaire
- F-33076 Bordeaux
- France
- Univ Bordeaux
| | - J. Schulz
- Univ Bordeaux
- INCIA
- UMR CNRS 5287
- F-33400 Talence
- France
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30
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Stull C, Lavery MJ, Yosipovitch G. Advances in therapeutic strategies for the treatment of pruritus. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2015; 17:671-87. [DOI: 10.1517/14656566.2016.1127355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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31
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Kiguchi N, Sukhtankar DD, Ding H, Tanaka KI, Kishioka S, Peters CM, Ko MC. Spinal Functions of B-Type Natriuretic Peptide, Gastrin-Releasing Peptide, and Their Cognate Receptors for Regulating Itch in Mice. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2015; 356:596-603. [PMID: 26669425 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.115.229997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP)-natriuretic peptide receptor A (NPRA) and gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP)-GRP receptor (GRPR) systems contribute to spinal processing of itch. However, pharmacological and anatomic evidence of these two spinal ligand-receptor systems are still not clear. The aim of this study was to determine the spinal functions of BNP-NPRA and GRP-GRPR systems for regulating scratching activities in mice by using pharmacological and immunohistochemical approaches. Our results showed that intrathecal administration of BNP (0.3-3 nmol) dose dependently elicited scratching responses, which could be blocked by the NPRA antagonist (Arg6,β-cyclohexyl-Ala8,D-Tic16,Arg17,Cys18)-atrial natriuretic factor(6-18) amide (A71915). However, A71915 had no effect on intrathecal GRP-induced scratching. In contrast, pretreatment with a GRPR antagonist (D-Tpi6,Leu13ψ(CH2-NH)-Leu14)bombesin(6-14) (RC-3095) inhibited BNP-induced scratching. Immunostaining revealed that NPRA proteins colocalize with GRP, but not GRPR, in the superficial area of dorsal horn, whereas BNP proteins do not colocalize with either GRP or GRPR in the dorsal horn. Intradermal administration of ligands including endothelin-1, U-46619, bovine adrenal medulla 8-22, and Ser-Leu-Ile-Gly-Arg-Leu-NH2 (SLIGRL) increased scratching bouts at different levels of magnitude. Pretreatment with intrathecal A71915 did not affect scratching responses elicited by all four pruritogens, whereas pretreatment with RC-3095 only inhibited SLIGRL-induced scratching. Interestingly, immunostaining showed that RC-3095, but not A71915, inhibited SLIGRL-elicited c-Fos activation in the spinal dorsal horn, which was in line with behavioral outcomes. These findings demonstrate that: 1) BNP-NPRA system may function upstream of the GRP-GRPR system to regulate itch in the mouse spinal cord, and 2) both NPRA and GRPR antagonists may have antipruritic efficacy against centrally, but not peripherally, elicited itch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norikazu Kiguchi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology (N.K., D.D.S., H.D., M.-C.K.) and Department of Anesthesiology (C.M.P.), Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Saitama Prefectural University, Saitama, Japan (K.T.); Department of Pharmacology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan (S.K.)
| | - Devki D Sukhtankar
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology (N.K., D.D.S., H.D., M.-C.K.) and Department of Anesthesiology (C.M.P.), Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Saitama Prefectural University, Saitama, Japan (K.T.); Department of Pharmacology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan (S.K.)
| | - Huiping Ding
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology (N.K., D.D.S., H.D., M.-C.K.) and Department of Anesthesiology (C.M.P.), Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Saitama Prefectural University, Saitama, Japan (K.T.); Department of Pharmacology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan (S.K.)
| | - Ken-ichi Tanaka
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology (N.K., D.D.S., H.D., M.-C.K.) and Department of Anesthesiology (C.M.P.), Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Saitama Prefectural University, Saitama, Japan (K.T.); Department of Pharmacology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan (S.K.)
| | - Shiroh Kishioka
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology (N.K., D.D.S., H.D., M.-C.K.) and Department of Anesthesiology (C.M.P.), Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Saitama Prefectural University, Saitama, Japan (K.T.); Department of Pharmacology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan (S.K.)
| | - Christopher M Peters
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology (N.K., D.D.S., H.D., M.-C.K.) and Department of Anesthesiology (C.M.P.), Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Saitama Prefectural University, Saitama, Japan (K.T.); Department of Pharmacology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan (S.K.)
| | - Mei-Chuan Ko
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology (N.K., D.D.S., H.D., M.-C.K.) and Department of Anesthesiology (C.M.P.), Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Saitama Prefectural University, Saitama, Japan (K.T.); Department of Pharmacology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan (S.K.)
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Ramos-Álvarez I, Moreno P, Mantey SA, Nakamura T, Nuche-Berenguer B, Moody TW, Coy DH, Jensen RT. Insights into bombesin receptors and ligands: Highlighting recent advances. Peptides 2015; 72:128-44. [PMID: 25976083 PMCID: PMC4641779 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2015.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2015] [Revised: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 04/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
This following article is written for Prof. Abba Kastin's Festschrift, to add to the tribute to his important role in the advancement of the role of peptides in physiological, as well as pathophysiological processes. There have been many advances during the 35 years of his prominent role in the Peptide field, not only as editor of the journal Peptides, but also as a scientific investigator and editor of two volumes of the Handbook of Biological Active Peptides [146,147]. Similar to the advances with many different peptides, during this 35 year period, there have been much progress made in the understanding of the pharmacology, cell biology and the role of (bombesin) Bn receptors and their ligands in various disease states, since the original isolation of bombesin from skin of the European frog Bombina bombina in 1970 [76]. This paper will briefly review some of these advances over the time period of Prof. Kastin 35 years in the peptide field concentrating on the advances since 2007 when many of the results from earlier studies were summarized [128,129]. It is appropriate to do this because there have been 280 articles published in Peptides during this time on bombesin-related peptides and it accounts for almost 5% of all publications. Furthermore, 22 Bn publications we have been involved in have been published in either Peptides [14,39,55,58,81,92,93,119,152,216,225,226,231,280,302,309,355,361,362] or in Prof. Kastin's Handbook of Biological Active Peptides [137,138,331].
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Ramos-Álvarez
- Digestive Diseases Branch, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-1804, United States
| | - Paola Moreno
- Digestive Diseases Branch, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-1804, United States
| | - Samuel A Mantey
- Digestive Diseases Branch, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-1804, United States
| | - Taichi Nakamura
- Digestive Diseases Branch, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-1804, United States
| | - Bernardo Nuche-Berenguer
- Digestive Diseases Branch, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-1804, United States
| | - Terry W Moody
- Center for Cancer Research, Office of the Director, NCI, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-1804, United States
| | - David H Coy
- Peptide Research Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112-2699, United States
| | - Robert T Jensen
- Digestive Diseases Branch, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-1804, United States.
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Luo J, Feng J, Liu S, Walters ET, Hu H. Molecular and cellular mechanisms that initiate pain and itch. Cell Mol Life Sci 2015; 72:3201-23. [PMID: 25894692 PMCID: PMC4534341 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-015-1904-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2014] [Revised: 03/20/2015] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Somatosensory neurons mediate our sense of touch. They are critically involved in transducing pain and itch sensations under physiological and pathological conditions, along with other skin-resident cells. Tissue damage and inflammation can produce a localized or systemic sensitization of our senses of pain and itch, which can facilitate our detection of threats in the environment. Although acute pain and itch protect us from further damage, persistent pain and itch are debilitating. Recent exciting discoveries have significantly advanced our knowledge of the roles of membrane-bound G protein-coupled receptors and ion channels in the encoding of information leading to pain and itch sensations. This review focuses on molecular and cellular events that are important in early stages of the biological processing that culminates in our senses of pain and itch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialie Luo
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Center for the Study of Itch, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
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Abstract
Given its profound analgesic nature, neuraxial opioids are frequently used for pain management. Unfortunately, the high incident rate of itch/pruritus after spinal administration of opioid analgesics reported in postoperative and obstetric patients greatly diminishes patient satisfaction and thus the value of the analgesics. Many endeavors to solve the mystery behind neuraxial opioid-induced itch had not been successful, as the pharmacological antagonism other than the blockade of mu opioid receptors remains elusive. Nevertheless, as the characteristics of all opioid receptor subtypes have become more understood, more studies have shed light on the potential effective treatments. This review discusses the mechanisms underlying neuraxial opioid-induced itch and compares pharmacological evidence in nonhuman primates with clinical findings across diverse drugs. Both nonhuman primate and human studies corroborate that mixed mu/kappa opioid partial agonists seem to be the most effective drugs in ameliorating neuraxial opioid-induced itch while retaining neuraxial opioid-induced analgesia.
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Lee H, Ko MC. Distinct functions of opioid-related peptides and gastrin-releasing peptide in regulating itch and pain in the spinal cord of primates. Sci Rep 2015; 5:11676. [PMID: 26119696 PMCID: PMC4483774 DOI: 10.1038/srep11676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2015] [Accepted: 06/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
How neuropeptides in the primate spinal cord regulate itch and pain is largely unknown. Here we elucidate the sensory functions of spinal opioid-related peptides and gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) in awake, behaving monkeys. Following intrathecal administration, β-endorphin (10-100 nmol) and GRP (1-10 nmol) dose-dependently elicit the same degree of robust itch scratching, which can be inhibited by mu-opioid peptide (MOP) receptor and GRP receptor (BB2) antagonists, respectively. Unlike β-endorphin, which produces itch and attenuates inflammatory pain, GRP only elicits itch without affecting pain. In contrast, enkephalins (100-1000 nmol) and nociceptin-orphanin FQ (3-30 nmol) only inhibit pain without eliciting itch. More intriguingly, dynorphin A(1-17) (10-100 nmol) dose-dependently attenuates both β-endorphin- and GRP-elicited robust scratching without affecting pain processing. The anti-itch effects of dynorphin A can be reversed by a kappa-opioid peptide (KOP) receptor antagonist nor-binaltorphimine. These nonhuman primate behavioral models with spinal delivery of ligands advance our understanding of distinct functions of neuropeptides for modulating itch and pain. In particular, we demonstrate causal links for itch-eliciting effects by β-endorphin-MOP receptor and GRP-BB2 receptor systems and itch-inhibiting effects by the dynorphin A-KOP receptor system. These studies will facilitate transforming discoveries of novel ligand-receptor systems into future therapies as antipruritics and/or analgesics in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heeseung Lee
- Department of Anesthesiology &Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 158-710, South Korea
| | - Mei-Chuan Ko
- 1] Department of Physiology &Pharmacology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA [2] Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA [3] Center for Comparative Medicine Research, School of Medicine, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
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Tirado-Sánchez A, Bonifaz A, Ponce-Olivera RM. Serum gastrin-releasing peptide levels correlate with disease severity and pruritus in patients with atopic dermatitis. Br J Dermatol 2015; 173:298-300. [PMID: 25524083 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.13622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A Tirado-Sánchez
- Dermatology Department, Hospital General de México, Dr. Balmis 148, Col. Doctores, Cuauhtémoc, Ciudad de México, D.F, Mexico. .,Dermatology Department, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Av. Paseo de la Reforma 476, Planta Baja, Cuauhtémoc, Juárez, 06600, Ciudad de México, D.F, Mexico.
| | - A Bonifaz
- Dermatology Department, Hospital General de México, Dr. Balmis 148, Col. Doctores, Cuauhtémoc, Ciudad de México, D.F, Mexico
| | - R M Ponce-Olivera
- Dermatology Department, Hospital General de México, Dr. Balmis 148, Col. Doctores, Cuauhtémoc, Ciudad de México, D.F, Mexico
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To highlight the most recent advances regarding gastrointestinal peptides and their relation to chronic itch, with focus on gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), substance P, and their respective receptors. RECENT FINDINGS GRP and its high-affinity GRP receptor (GRPR) have been identified as key regulators in the spinal cord itch pathway and may be involved in the maintenance of chronic itch sensation. Several neuropeptides including GRP, neuromedin B, and substance P regulate itch signals in a cooperative or inhibitory manner on the spinal level. Small clinical studies show that neurokinin 1 receptor antagonists might be of benefit in the treatment of chronic itch. SUMMARY Chronic itch is a burdensome clinical problem, for which no specific treatment is available. Studies on the mechanisms of pruriceptive sensation and its signaling to the central nervous system (CNS) via the spinal cord have elucidated a number of peptides that are implicated in the regulation of itch-specific signaling pathways. Among those, GRP and its high-affinity GRP receptor have been proposed as key elements in the itch-specific neuronal pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Christian Weber
- Section of Gastroenterology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Abstract
In this chapter we discuss the many recent discoveries of the mechanisms by which itch is transmitted: the neurotransmitters and the responses they trigger, the mechanisms by which specific neuronal targets are activated, and the specificity of the pathways. Current data reveal that DRG neurons and spinal cord cells use a remarkably selective set of transmitters to convey pruritic information from the periphery to the brain: glutamate and Nppb are released from primary itch-sensory cells; these molecules activate secondary spinal cord pruriceptive-specific neurons, which in turn utilize Grp to activate tertiary pruriceptive-selective neurons. Intersecting this basic linear excitatory pathway, inhibitory input from dynorphin and neurons that express the somatostatin receptor modify itch sensation. Cumulatively, these studies paint an elegantly simple picture of how itch signals are transformed and integrated in the spinal cord and open new avenues for research efforts aimed at understanding and better treating itch.
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Abstract
This paper is the thirty-sixth consecutive installment of the annual review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system. It summarizes papers published during 2013 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides, opioid receptors, opioid agonists and opioid antagonists. The particular topics that continue to be covered include the molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors related to behavior, and the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia; stress and social status; tolerance and dependence; learning and memory; eating and drinking; alcohol and drugs of abuse; sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology; mental illness and mood; seizures and neurologic disorders; electrical-related activity and neurophysiology; general activity and locomotion; gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions; cardiovascular responses; respiration and thermoregulation; and immunological responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, Flushing, NY 11367, United States.
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Takanami K, Sakamoto H. The Gastrin-Releasing Peptide Receptor (GRPR) in the Spinal Cord as a Novel Pharmacological Target. Curr Neuropharmacol 2014; 12:434-43. [PMID: 25426011 PMCID: PMC4243033 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x12666140923201432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2014] [Revised: 07/28/2014] [Accepted: 09/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) is a mammalian neuropeptide that acts through the G protein-coupled receptor, GRP receptor (GRPR). Increasing evidence indicates that GRPR-mediated signaling in the central nervous system plays an important role in many physiological processes in mammals. Additionally, we have recently reported that the GRP system within the lumbosacral spinal cord not only controls erection but also triggers ejaculation in male rats. This system of GRP neurons is sexually dimorphic, being prominent in male rats but vestigial or absent in females. It is suggested that the sexually dimorphic GRP/GRPR system in the lumbosacral spinal cord plays a critical role in the regulation of male sexual function. In parallel, it has been reported that the somatosensory GRP/GRPR system in the spinal cord contributes to the regulation of itch specific transmission independently of the pain transmission. Interestingly, these two distinct functions in the same spinal region are both regulated by the neuropeptide, GRP. In this report, we review findings on recently identified GRP/GRPR systems in the spinal cord. These GRP/GRPR systems in the spinal cord provide new insights into pharmacological treatments for psychogenic erectile dysfunction as well as for chronic pruritus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiko Takanami
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Sakamoto
- Ushimado Marine Institute (UMI), Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Ushimado, Setouchi, Okayama 701-4303, Japan
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Zhao ZQ, Wan L, Liu XY, Huo FQ, Li H, Barry DM, Krieger S, Kim S, Liu ZC, Xu J, Rogers BE, Li YQ, Chen ZF. Cross-inhibition of NMBR and GRPR signaling maintains normal histaminergic itch transmission. J Neurosci 2014; 34:12402-14. [PMID: 25209280 PMCID: PMC4160775 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1709-14.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2014] [Revised: 08/04/2014] [Accepted: 08/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously showed that gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) in the spinal cord is important for mediating nonhistaminergic itch. Neuromedin B receptor (NMBR), the second member of the mammalian bombesin receptor family, is expressed in a largely nonoverlapping pattern with GRPR in the superficial spinal cord, and its role in itch transmission remains unclear. Here, we report that Nmbr knock-out (KO) mice exhibited normal scratching behavior in response to intradermal injection of pruritogens. However, mice lacking both Nmbr and Grpr (DKO mice) showed significant deficits in histaminergic itch. In contrast, the chloroquine (CQ)-evoked scratching behavior of DKO mice is not further reduced compared with Grpr KO mice. These results suggest that NMBR and GRPR could compensate for the loss of each other to maintain normal histamine-evoked itch, whereas GRPR is exclusively required for CQ-evoked scratching behavior. Interestingly, GRPR activity is enhanced in Nmbr KO mice despite the lack of upregulation of Grpr expression; so is NMBR in Grpr KO mice. We found that NMB acts exclusively through NMBR for itch transmission, whereas GRP can signal through both receptors, albeit to NMBR to a much lesser extent. Although NMBR and NMBR(+) neurons are dispensable for histaminergic itch, GRPR(+) neurons are likely to act downstream of NMBR(+) neurons to integrate NMB-NMBR-encoded histaminergic itch information in normal physiological conditions. Together, we define the respective function of NMBR and GRPR in itch transmission, and reveal an unexpected relationship not only between the two receptors but also between the two populations of interneurons in itch signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Qiu Zhao
- Center for the Study of Itch, and Departments of Anesthesiology
| | - Li Wan
- Center for the Study of Itch, and Departments of Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510260, People's Republic of China, and
| | - Xian-Yu Liu
- Center for the Study of Itch, and Departments of Anesthesiology
| | - Fu-Quan Huo
- Center for the Study of Itch, and Departments of Anesthesiology
| | - Hui Li
- Center for the Study of Itch, and Departments of Anesthesiology, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, and K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Devin M Barry
- Center for the Study of Itch, and Departments of Anesthesiology
| | | | - Seungil Kim
- Center for the Study of Itch, and Departments of Anesthesiology
| | - Zhong-Chun Liu
- Center for the Study of Itch, and Departments of Anesthesiology
| | - Jinbin Xu
- Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
| | | | - Yun-Qing Li
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, and K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhou-Feng Chen
- Center for the Study of Itch, and Departments of Anesthesiology, Psychiatry, Developmental Biology,
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Maciel I, Azevedo V, Pereira T, Bogo M, Souza A, Gomez M, Campos M. The spinal inhibition of N-type voltage-gated calcium channels selectively prevents scratching behavior in mice. Neuroscience 2014; 277:794-805. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.07.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2014] [Revised: 07/02/2014] [Accepted: 07/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Goswami SC, Thierry-Mieg D, Thierry-Mieg J, Mishra S, Hoon MA, Mannes AJ, Iadarola MJ. Itch-associated peptides: RNA-Seq and bioinformatic analysis of natriuretic precursor peptide B and gastrin releasing peptide in dorsal root and trigeminal ganglia, and the spinal cord. Mol Pain 2014; 10:44. [PMID: 25123163 PMCID: PMC4132360 DOI: 10.1186/1744-8069-10-44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2014] [Accepted: 06/25/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Three neuropeptides, gastrin releasing peptide (GRP), natriuritic precursor peptide B (NPPB), and neuromedin B (NMB) have been proposed to play roles in itch sensation. However, the tissues in which these peptides are expressed and their positions in the itch circuit has recently become the subject of debate. Here we used next-gen RNA-Seq to examine the expression of transcripts coding for GRP, NPPB, NMB, and other peptides in DRG, trigeminal ganglion, and the spinal cord as well as expression levels for their cognate receptors in these tissues. Results RNA-Seq demonstrates that GRP is not transcribed in mouse, rat, or human sensory ganglia. NPPB, which activates natriuretic peptide receptor 1 (NPR1), is well expressed in mouse DRG and less so in rat and human, whereas NPPA, which also acts on the NPR1 receptor, is expressed in all three species. Analysis of transcripts expressed in the spinal cord of mouse, rat, and human reveals no expression of Nppb, but unambiguously detects expression of Grp and the GRP-receptor (Grpr). The transcripts coding for NMB and tachykinin peptides are among the most highly expressed in DRG. Bioinformatics comparisons using the sequence of the peptides used to produce GRP-antibodies with proteome databases revealed that the C-terminal primary sequence of NMB and Substance P can potentially account for results from previous studies which showed GRP-immunostaining in the DRG. Conclusions RNA-Seq corroborates a primary itch afferent role for NPPB in mouse and potentially NPPB and NPPA in rats and humans, but does not support GRP as a primary itch neurotransmitter in mouse, rat, or humans. As such, our results are at odds with the initial proposal of Sun and Chen (2007) that GRP is expressed in DRG. By contrast, our data strongly support an itch pathway where the itch-inducing actions of GRP are exerted through its release from spinal cord neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Michael J Iadarola
- Department of Perioperative Medicine, Building 10, Room 2C401, MSC 1510, Clinical Center, NIH, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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44
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Akiyama T, Tominaga M, Takamori K, Carstens MI, Carstens E. Role of spinal bombesin-responsive neurons in nonhistaminergic itch. J Neurophysiol 2014; 112:2283-9. [PMID: 25122701 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00409.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrathecal administration of the neurotoxin bombesin-saporin reduces or abolishes pruritogen-evoked scratching behavior. We investigated whether spinal neurons that respond to intradermal (ID) injection of pruritogens also respond to spinal superfusion of bombesin and vice versa. Single-unit recordings were made from superficial lumbar spinal dorsal horn neurons in anesthetized mice. We identified neurons with three search strategies: 1) ID injection of the nonhistaminergic itch mediator chloroquine, 2) spinal superfusion of bombesin, and 3) noxious pinch. All units were tested with an array of itch mediators (chloroquine, histamine, SLIGRL, BAM8-22), algogens [capsaicin, allyl isothiocyanate (AITC)], and physical stimuli (brush, pinch, noxious heat, cooling) applied to the hindlimb receptive field. The vast majority of chloroquine-responsive units also responded to bombesin. Of 26 chloroquine-sensitive units tested, most responded to SLIGRL, half responded to histamine and/or BAM8-22, and most responded to capsaicin and/or AITC as well as noxious thermal and mechanical stimuli. Of 29 bombesin-responsive units, a large majority also responded to other itch mediators as well as AITC, capsaicin, and noxious thermal and mechanical stimuli. Responses to successive applications of bombesin exhibited tachyphylaxis. In contrast, of 36 units responsive to noxious pinch, the majority (67%) did not respond to ID chloroquine or spinal bombesin. It is suggested that chloroquine- and bombesin-sensitive spinal neurons signal itch from the skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tasuku Akiyama
- Temple Itch Center, Department of Dermatology and Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and
| | - Mitsutoshi Tominaga
- Institute for Environmental and Gender Specific Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Urayasu, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kenji Takamori
- Institute for Environmental and Gender Specific Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Urayasu, Chiba, Japan
| | - Mirela Iodi Carstens
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California, Davis, California;
| | - E Carstens
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California, Davis, California
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Bautista DM, Wilson SR, Hoon MA. Why we scratch an itch: the molecules, cells and circuits of itch. Nat Neurosci 2014; 17:175-82. [PMID: 24473265 PMCID: PMC4364402 DOI: 10.1038/nn.3619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 235] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2013] [Accepted: 12/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Itch is described as an irritating sensation that triggers a desire to scratch. However, this definition hardly seems fitting for the millions of people who suffer from intractable itch. Indeed, the Buddhist philosopher Nāgārjuna more aptly stated, "There is pleasure when an itch is scratched. But to be without an itch is more pleasurable still." Chronic itch is widespread and very difficult to treat. In this review we focus on the molecules, cells and circuits in the peripheral and central nervous systems that drive acute and chronic itch transmission. Understanding the itch circuitry is critical to developing new therapies for this intractable disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana M Bautista
- 1] Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA. [2] Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Sarah R Wilson
- 1] Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA. [2] Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Mark A Hoon
- Molecular Genetics Unit, Laboratory of Sensory Biology, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research/NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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