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Qin F, Wang Q, Wang Y, Li Z, Liu A, Liu Q, Lin W, Mu X, Liu X, Wang Q, Lu Z. Exoticin as a selective agonist of 6TM μ opioid receptors identifies endogenous chaperones essential for its activity. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 133:155898. [PMID: 39154526 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Classical opioids are effective analgesics but carry various side effects, necessitating safer alternatives. Truncated six-transmembrane mu opioid receptors (6TM-μORs) mediate potent analgesia with fewer side effects and are a promising therapeutic target. However, few ligands known selectively target 6TM-μORs. Moreover, endogenous chaperones are believed essential for 6TM-μOR ligand binding and function. PURPOSE To identify a 6TM-μOR selective agonist and elucidate requisite endogenous chaperones. METHODS Virtual screening was used to identify promising selective 6TM-μOR agonists from traditional Chinese medicines. The role of 6TM-μOR in Exoticin analgesia was validated in loss- and gain-of-function models. APEX2 proteomics profiled proximal proteins under Exoticin or IBNtxA. Interactions were further characterized in vivo and in vitro. RESULTS Exoticin was shortlisted for its selective binding to 6TM-μOR and ability to induce 6TM-μOR-dependent signal transduction. Exoticin analgesia was sensitive to β-FNA and absent in E11 KO mice, but restored in mice infected with AAV-μOR1G. Slc3a2, Lrrc59, and Ppp1cb co-interacted with 6TM-μOR1G and were equally essential for Exoticin binding and 6TM-μOR1G activity. CONCLUSION Exoticin is a promising selective agonist of 6TM μ opioid receptors with broad-spectrum analgesic efficacy but few side effects. Slc3a2, Lrrc59, Ppp1cb are endogenous chaperones essential for 6TM-μOR ligand binding and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fenfen Qin
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Qisheng Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yuxuan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zhonghao Li
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Anlong Liu
- Nanjing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Qingyang Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Weixin Lin
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xinru Mu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xingjun Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China.
| | - Qian Wang
- International Education college, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Zhigang Lu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; School of Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
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2
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Peng B, Wu XB, Zhang ZJ, Cao DL, Zhao LX, Wu H, Gao YJ. Anterior Cingulate Cortex Contributes to the Hyperlocomotion under Nitrogen Narcosis. Neurosci Bull 2024:10.1007/s12264-024-01278-z. [PMID: 39158823 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-024-01278-z] [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: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Nitrogen narcosis is a neurological syndrome that manifests when humans or animals encounter hyperbaric nitrogen, resulting in a range of motor, emotional, and cognitive abnormalities. The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is known for its significant involvement in regulating motivation, cognition, and action. However, its specific contribution to nitrogen narcosis-induced hyperlocomotion and the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here we report that exposure to hyperbaric nitrogen notably increased the locomotor activity of mice in a pressure-dependent manner. Concurrently, this exposure induced heightened activation among neurons in both the ACC and dorsal medial striatum (DMS). Notably, chemogenetic inhibition of ACC neurons effectively suppressed hyperlocomotion. Conversely, chemogenetic excitation lowered the hyperbaric pressure threshold required to induce hyperlocomotion. Moreover, both chemogenetic inhibition and genetic ablation of activity-dependent neurons within the ACC reduced the hyperlocomotion. Further investigation revealed that ACC neurons project to the DMS, and chemogenetic inhibition of ACC-DMS projections resulted in a reduction in hyperlocomotion. Finally, nitrogen narcosis led to an increase in local field potentials in the theta frequency band and a decrease in the alpha frequency band in both the ACC and DMS. These results collectively suggest that excitatory neurons within the ACC, along with their projections to the DMS, play a pivotal role in regulating the hyperlocomotion induced by exposure to hyperbaric nitrogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Peng
- Medical School, Institute of Special Environmental Medicine, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Jiangsu, 226019, China
| | - Xiao-Bo Wu
- Medical School, Institute of Special Environmental Medicine, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Jiangsu, 226019, China
| | - Zhi-Jun Zhang
- Medical School, Institute of Special Environmental Medicine, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Jiangsu, 226019, China
| | - De-Li Cao
- Medical School, Institute of Special Environmental Medicine, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Jiangsu, 226019, China
| | - Lin-Xia Zhao
- Medical School, Institute of Special Environmental Medicine, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Jiangsu, 226019, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head Neck Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Jiangsu, 226001, China
| | - Yong-Jing Gao
- Medical School, Institute of Special Environmental Medicine, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Jiangsu, 226019, China.
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Fischer C, Schreiber Y, Nitsch R, Vogt J, Thomas D, Geisslinger G, Tegeder I. Lysophosphatidic Acid Receptors LPAR5 and LPAR2 Inversely Control Hydroxychloroquine-Evoked Itch and Scratching in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8177. [PMID: 39125747 PMCID: PMC11312285 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158177] [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: 06/12/2024] [Revised: 07/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Lysophosphatidic acids (LPAs) evoke nociception and itch in mice and humans. In this study, we assessed the signaling paths. Hydroxychloroquine was injected intradermally to evoke itch in mice, which evoked an increase of LPAs in the skin and in the thalamus, suggesting that peripheral and central LPA receptors (LPARs) were involved in HCQ-evoked pruriception. To unravel the signaling paths, we assessed the localization of candidate genes and itching behavior in knockout models addressing LPAR5, LPAR2, autotaxin/ENPP2 and the lysophospholipid phosphatases, as well as the plasticity-related genes Prg1/LPPR4 and Prg2/LPPR3. LacZ reporter studies and RNAscope revealed LPAR5 in neurons of the dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) and in skin keratinocytes, LPAR2 in cortical and thalamic neurons, and Prg1 in neuronal structures of the dorsal horn, thalamus and SSC. HCQ-evoked scratching behavior was reduced in sensory neuron-specific Advillin-LPAR5-/- mice (peripheral) but increased in LPAR2-/- and Prg1-/- mice (central), and it was not affected by deficiency of glial autotaxin (GFAP-ENPP2-/-) or Prg2 (PRG2-/-). Heat and mechanical nociception were not affected by any of the genotypes. The behavior suggested that HCQ-mediated itch involves the activation of peripheral LPAR5, which was supported by reduced itch upon treatment with an LPAR5 antagonist and autotaxin inhibitor. Further, HCQ-evoked calcium fluxes were reduced in primary sensory neurons of Advillin-LPAR5-/- mice. The results suggest that LPA-mediated itch is primarily mediated via peripheral LPAR5, suggesting that a topical LPAR5 blocker might suppress "non-histaminergic" itch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Fischer
- Institute for Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (C.F.); (D.T.); (G.G.)
| | - Yannick Schreiber
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany;
| | - Robert Nitsch
- Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Medical Faculty, WWU Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany;
| | - Johannes Vogt
- Department of Molecular and Translational Neurosciences, Institute for Anatomy and Center of Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), and Cologne Excellence Cluster for Aging associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, 50923 Köln, Germany;
| | - Dominique Thomas
- Institute for Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (C.F.); (D.T.); (G.G.)
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany;
| | - Gerd Geisslinger
- Institute for Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (C.F.); (D.T.); (G.G.)
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany;
- Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence of Immune Mediated Diseases (CIMD), 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Irmgard Tegeder
- Institute for Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (C.F.); (D.T.); (G.G.)
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Clement MK, Pimentel CS, McGaughy JA. Dopaminergic lesions of the anterior cingulate cortex of rats increase vulnerability to salient distractors. Eur J Neurosci 2024; 59:3353-3375. [PMID: 38654478 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) has been shown to be critical to many aspects of executive function including filtering irrelevant information, updating response contingencies when reinforcement contingencies change and stabilizing task sets. Nonspecific lesions to this region in rats produce a vulnerability to distractors that have gained salience through prior associations with reinforcement. These lesions also exacerbate cognitive fatigue in tests of sustained attention but do not produce global attentional impairments nor do they produce distractibility to novel distractors that do not have a prior association with reinforcement. To determine the neurochemical basis of these cognitive impairments, dopaminergically selective lesions of the ACC were made in both male and female Long-Evans, hooded rats prior to assessment in two attentional tasks. Dopaminergic lesions of the ACC increase the vulnerability of subjects to previously reinforced distractors and impede formation of an attentional set. Lesioned rats were not more susceptible to the effects of novel, irrelevant stimuli in a test of sustained attention as has been previously shown. Additionally, the effects of dopaminergic lesions were found to differ based on sex. Lesioned female, but not male, rats were more vulnerable than sham-lesioned females to the effects of prolonged testing and the removal of reinforcement during a test of sustained attention. Together, these data support the hypothesis that dopamine in the ACC is critical to filtering distractors whose salience has been gained through reinforcement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison K Clement
- Department of Psychology, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, United States
| | - Cynthia S Pimentel
- Department of Psychology, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, United States
| | - Jill A McGaughy
- Department of Psychology, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, United States
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Zhu J, Yang Y, Du L, Yang W, Yang Y, Yi T, Maoying Q, Chu Y, Wang Y, Mi W. A regulatory role of the medial septum in the chloroquine-induced acute itch through local GABAergic system and GABAergic pathway to the anterior cingulate cortex. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 721:150145. [PMID: 38795633 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150145] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
Itch, a common somatic sensation, serves as a crucial protective system. Recent studies have unraveled the neural mechanisms of itch at peripheral, spinal cord as well as cerebral levels. However, a comprehensive understanding of the central mechanism governing itch transmission and regulation remains elusive. Here, we report the role of the medial septum (MS), an integral component of the basal forebrain, in modulating the acute itch processing. The increases in c-Fos+ neurons and calcium signals within the MS during acute itch processing were observed. Pharmacogenetic activation manipulation of global MS neurons suppressed the scratching behaviors induced by chloroquine or compound 48/80. Microinjection of GABA into the MS or pharmacogenetic inhibition of non-GABAergic neurons markedly suppressed chloroquine-induced scratching behaviors. Pharmacogenetic activation of the MS-ACC GABAergic pathway attenuated chloroquine-induced acute itch. Hence, our findings reveal that MS has a regulatory role in the chloroquine-induced acute itch through local increased GABA to inhibit non-GABAergic neurons and the activation of MS-ACC GABAergic pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianyu Zhu
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yayue Yang
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lixia Du
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yachen Yang
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ting Yi
- Chinese Medicine Research Institute, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangdong, 510006, China
| | - Qiliang Maoying
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yuxia Chu
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yanqing Wang
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Wenli Mi
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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6
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Kim C, Kim Y, Lim JY, Kim M, Zheng H, Kim M, Hwang SW. Pamoic acid-induced peripheral GPR35 activation improves pruritus and dermatitis. Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:3059-3070. [PMID: 37501600 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16201] [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: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Pruritic dermatitis is a disease with a considerable unmet need for treatment and appears to present with not only epidermal but also peripheral neuronal complications. Here, we propose a novel pharmacological modulation targeting both peripheral dorsal root ganglion (DRG) sensory neurons and skin keratinocytes. GPR35 is an orphan G-protein-coupled receptor expressed in DRG neurons and has been predicted to downregulate neuronal excitability when activated. Modulator information is currently increasing for GPR35, and pamoic acid (PA), a salt-forming agent for drugs, has been shown to be an activator solely specific for GPR35. Here, we investigated its effects on dermatitic pathology. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We confirmed GPR35 expression in peripheral neurons and tissues. The effect of PA treatment was pharmacologically evaluated in cultured cells in vitro and in in vivo animal models for acute and chronic pruritus. KEY RESULTS Local PA application mitigated acute non-histaminergic itch and, consistently, obstructed DRG neuronal responses. Keratinocyte fragmentation under dermatitic simulation was also dampened following PA incubation. Chronic pruritus in 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene and psoriasis models were also moderately but significantly reversed by the repeated applications of PA. Dermatitic scores in the 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene and psoriatic models were also improved by its application, indicating that it is beneficial for mitigating disease pathology. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Our findings suggest that pamoic acid activation of peripheral GPR35 can contribute to the improvement of pruritus and its associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaeeun Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yerin Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ji Yeon Lim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Minseok Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Haiyan Zheng
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Miri Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sun Wook Hwang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
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Yao J, Li X, Wu GY, Wu B, Long JH, Wang PJ, Liu SL, Gao J, Sui JF. The Anterior Insula and its Projection to the Prelimbic Cortex are Involved in the Regulation of 5-HT-Induced Itch. Neurosci Bull 2023; 39:1807-1822. [PMID: 37553505 PMCID: PMC10661608 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-023-01093-y] [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: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Itch is an unpleasant sensation that urges people and animals to scratch. Neuroimaging studies on itch have yielded extensive correlations with diverse cortical and subcortical regions, including the insular lobe. However, the role and functional specificity of the insular cortex (IC) and its subdivisions in itch mediation remains unclear. Here, we demonstrated by immunohistochemistry and fiber photometry tests, that neurons in both the anterior insular cortex (AIC) and the posterior insular cortex (PIC) are activated during acute itch processes. Pharmacogenetic experiments revealed that nonselective inhibition of global AIC neurons, or selective inhibition of the activity of glutaminergic neurons in the AIC, reduced the scratching behaviors induced by intradermal injection of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), but not those induced by compound 48/80. However, both nonselective inhibition of global PIC neurons and selective inhibition of glutaminergic neurons in the PIC failed to affect the itching-scratching behaviors induced by either 5-HT or compound 48/80. In addition, pharmacogenetic inhibition of AIC glutaminergic neurons effectively blocked itch-associated conditioned place aversion behavior, and inhibition of AIC glutaminergic neurons projecting to the prelimbic cortex significantly suppressed 5-HT-evoked scratching. These findings provide preliminary evidence that the AIC is involved, at least partially via aversive emotion mediation, in the regulation of 5-HT-, but not compound 48/80-induced itch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Yao
- Experimental Center of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
- Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xuan Li
- Experimental Center of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Guang-Yan Wu
- Experimental Center of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Bing Wu
- Experimental Center of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Jun-Hui Long
- Department of Dermatology, The 958th Army Hospital of the People's Liberation Army, Chongqing, 400020, China
| | - Pu-Jun Wang
- Department of Dermatology, The 958th Army Hospital of the People's Liberation Army, Chongqing, 400020, China
| | - Shu-Lei Liu
- Department of Dermatology, The 958th Army Hospital of the People's Liberation Army, Chongqing, 400020, China
| | - Jie Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Army Medical Centre of the PLA, Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China.
| | - Jian-Feng Sui
- Experimental Center of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
- Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
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Zhang Z, Shao H, Liu C, Song H, Wu X, Cao D, Zhu M, Fu Y, Wang J, Gao Y. Descending dopaminergic pathway facilitates itch signal processing via activating spinal GRPR + neurons. EMBO Rep 2023; 24:e56098. [PMID: 37522391 PMCID: PMC10561366 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202256098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
A11 dopaminergic neurons regulate somatosensory transduction by projecting from the diencephalon to the spinal cord, but the function of this descending projection in itch remained elusive. Here, we report that dopaminergic projection neurons from the A11 nucleus to the spinal dorsal horn (dopaminergicA11-SDH ) are activated by pruritogens. Inhibition of these neurons alleviates itch-induced scratching behaviors. Furthermore, chemogenetic inhibition of spinal dopamine receptor D1-expressing (DRD1+ ) neurons decreases acute or chronic itch-induced scratching. Mechanistically, spinal DRD1+ neurons are excitatory and mostly co-localize with gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), an endogenous neuropeptide for itch. In addition, DRD1+ neurons form synapses with GRP receptor-expressing (GRPR+ ) neurons and activate these neurons via AMPA receptor (AMPAR). Finally, spontaneous itch and enhanced acute itch induced by activating spinal DRD1+ neurons are relieved by antagonists against AMPAR and GRPR. Thus, the descending dopaminergic pathway facilitates spinal itch transmission via activating DRD1+ neurons and releasing glutamate and GRP, which directly augments GRPR signaling. Interruption of this descending pathway may be used to treat chronic itch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi‐Jun Zhang
- Institute of Pain Medicine and Special Environmental Medicine, Co‐Innovation Center of NeuroregenerationNantong UniversityJiangsuChina
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of MedicineNantong UniversityJiangsuChina
| | - Han‐Yu Shao
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of MedicineNantong UniversityJiangsuChina
| | - Chuan Liu
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of MedicineNantong UniversityJiangsuChina
| | - Hao‐Lin Song
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of MedicineNantong UniversityJiangsuChina
| | - Xiao‐Bo Wu
- Institute of Pain Medicine and Special Environmental Medicine, Co‐Innovation Center of NeuroregenerationNantong UniversityJiangsuChina
| | - De‐Li Cao
- Institute of Pain Medicine and Special Environmental Medicine, Co‐Innovation Center of NeuroregenerationNantong UniversityJiangsuChina
| | - Meixuan Zhu
- University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNCUSA
| | - Yuan‐Yuan Fu
- Institute of Pain Medicine and Special Environmental Medicine, Co‐Innovation Center of NeuroregenerationNantong UniversityJiangsuChina
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of MedicineNantong UniversityJiangsuChina
| | - Yong‐Jing Gao
- Institute of Pain Medicine and Special Environmental Medicine, Co‐Innovation Center of NeuroregenerationNantong UniversityJiangsuChina
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Chen R, Xu X, Wang XY, Jia WB, Zhao DS, Liu N, Pang Z, Liu XQ, Zhang Y. The lateral habenula nucleus regulates pruritic sensation and emotion. Mol Brain 2023; 16:54. [PMID: 37370111 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-023-01045-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Itch is a complex aversive sensory and emotional experience. As a most upsetting symptom in many dermatological and systemic diseases, it lacks efficient treatments. The lateral habenula nucleus (LHb) encodes negative emotions in the epithalamus and has been implicated in pain and analgesia. Nevertheless, the role of the lateral habenula nucleus in the pruritic sensation and emotion remains elusive. Here we defined the crucial role of glutamatergic neurons within the lateral habenula nucleus (GluLHb) in itch modulation in mice. We established histamine-dependent and histamine-independent models of acute pruritus, as well as the acetone-ether-water (AEW) model of chronic pruritus. We first assessed the effects of pruritogen injection on neural activation in both medial and lateral divisions of LHb in vitro. We then demonstrated that the population activity of GluLHb neurons was increased during the acute itch and chronic itch-induced scratching behaviors in vivo. In addition, electrophysiological data showed that the excitability of GluLHb neurons was enhanced by chronic itch. Chemogenetic suppression of GluLHb neurons disrupted both acute and chronic itch-evoked scratching behaviors. Furthermore, itch-induced conditioned place aversion (CPA) was abolished by GluLHb neuronal inhibition. Finally, we dissected the LHb upstream brain regions. Together, these findings reveal the involvement of LHb in processing both the sensational and emotional components of pruritus and may shed new insights into itch therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Chen
- Department of Neurology, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
| | - Xiang Xu
- Department of Neurology, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
| | - Xin-Yue Wang
- Department of Neurology, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
| | - Wen-Bin Jia
- Department of Neurology, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
| | - De-Shan Zhao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
| | - Na Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
| | - Zhen Pang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
| | - Xiao-Qing Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China.
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10
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Pan Q, Guo SS, Chen M, Su XY, Gao ZL, Wang Q, Xu TL, Liu MG, Hu J. Representation and control of pain and itch by distinct prefrontal neural ensembles. Neuron 2023:S0896-6273(23)00342-2. [PMID: 37224813 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.04.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Pain and itch are two closely related but essentially distinct sensations that elicit different behavioral responses. However, it remains mysterious how pain and itch information is encoded in the brain to produce differential perceptions. Here, we report that nociceptive and pruriceptive signals are separately represented and processed by distinct neural ensembles in the prelimbic (PL) subdivision of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in mice. Pain- and itch-responsive cortical neural ensembles were found to significantly differ in electrophysiological properties, input-output connectivity profiles, and activity patterns to nociceptive or pruriceptive stimuli. Moreover, these two groups of cortical neural ensembles oppositely modulate pain- or itch-related sensory and emotional behaviors through their preferential projections to specific downstream regions such as the mediodorsal thalamus (MD) and basolateral amygdala (BLA). These findings uncover separate representations of pain and itch by distinct prefrontal neural ensembles and provide a new framework for understanding somatosensory information processing in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Pan
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Su-Shan Guo
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Ming Chen
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Xin-Yu Su
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Zi-Long Gao
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Qi Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Tian-Le Xu
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; Songjiang Hospital and Songjiang Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201600, China; Shanghai Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Shanghai 201210, China.
| | - Ming-Gang Liu
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China.
| | - Ji Hu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai 200030, China.
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11
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Li JN, Wu XM, Zhao LJ, Sun HX, Hong J, Wu FL, Chen SH, Chen T, Li H, Dong YL, Li YQ. Central medial thalamic nucleus dynamically participates in acute itch sensation and chronic itch-induced anxiety-like behavior in male mice. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2539. [PMID: 37137899 PMCID: PMC10156671 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38264-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Itch is an annoying sensation consisting of both sensory and emotional components. It is known to involve the parabrachial nucleus (PBN), but the following transmission nodes remain elusive. The present study identified that the PBN-central medial thalamic nucleus (CM)-medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) pathway is essential for itch signal transmission at the supraspinal level in male mice. Chemogenetic inhibition of the CM-mPFC pathway attenuates scratching behavior or chronic itch-related affective responses. CM input to mPFC pyramidal neurons is enhanced in acute and chronic itch models. Specifically chronic itch stimuli also alter mPFC interneuron involvement, resulting in enhanced feedforward inhibition and a distorted excitatory/inhibitory balance in mPFC pyramidal neurons. The present work underscores CM as a transmit node of the itch signal in the thalamus, which is dynamically engaged in both the sensory and affective dimensions of itch with different stimulus salience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Ni Li
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Xue-Mei Wu
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
- Department of Human Anatomy, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Liu-Jie Zhao
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
- Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Han-Xue Sun
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
- Department of Human Anatomy, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Jie Hong
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
- Department of Human Anatomy, Baotou Medical College Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou, 014040, China
| | - Feng-Ling Wu
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
- Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Si-Hai Chen
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
- Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Tao Chen
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Yu-Lin Dong
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Yun-Qing Li
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
- Department of Human Anatomy, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
- Department of Human Anatomy, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
- Department of Human Anatomy, Baotou Medical College Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou, 014040, China.
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12
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Long JH, Wang PJ, Li ZF, Yao J, Li X, Wu B, Sui JF, Liao J, Wang P, Li XF, Liu SL. Dysgranular retrosplenial cortex modulates histaminergic and nonhistaminergic itch processing. Behav Brain Res 2023; 443:114306. [PMID: 36682500 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114306] [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: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Itch is an unpleasant sensation followed by an intense desire to scratch. Previous researches have advanced our understanding about the role of anterior cingulate cortex and prelimbic cortex in itch modulation, whereas little is known about the effects of retrosplenial cortex (RSC) during this process. Here we firstly confirmed that the neuronal activity of dysgranular RSC (RSCd) is significantly elevated during itch-scratching processing through c-Fos immunohistochemistry and fiber photometry recording. Then with designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs approaches, we found that pharmacogenetic inhibition of global RSCd neurons attenuated the number of scratching bouts as well as the cumulative duration of scratching bouts elicited by both 5-HT or compound 48/80 injection into rats' nape or cheek; selective inhibition of the pyramidal neurons in RSCd, or of the excitatory projections from caudal anterior cingulate cortex (cACC) to RSCd, demonstrated the similar effects of decreasing itch-related scratching induced by both 5-HT or compound 48/80. Pharmacogenetic intervention of the neuronal or circuitry activities did not affect rats' motor ability. This study presents direct evidence that pyramidal neurons in RSCd, and the excitatory projection from cACC to RSCd are critically involved in central regulation of both histaminergic and nonhistaminergic itch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Hui Long
- Department of Dermatology, The 958th Army Hospital of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, China
| | - Pu-Jun Wang
- Department of Dermatology, The 958th Army Hospital of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, China
| | - Zhi-Fang Li
- Department of Foreign Languages, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Juan Yao
- Experimental Center of Basic Medicine, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Xuan Li
- Experimental Center of Basic Medicine, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Bing Wu
- Experimental Center of Basic Medicine, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Jian-Feng Sui
- Experimental Center of Basic Medicine, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Jun Liao
- Department of Dermatology, The 958th Army Hospital of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Dermatology, The 958th Army Hospital of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Li
- Department of Radiology, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 401120, China.
| | - Shu-Lei Liu
- Department of Dermatology, The 958th Army Hospital of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, China.
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13
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Wu XB, Zhu Q, Gao MH, Yan SX, Gu PY, Zhang PF, Xu ML, Gao YJ. Excitatory Projections from the Prefrontal Cortex to Nucleus Accumbens Core D1-MSNs and κ Opioid Receptor Modulate Itch-Related Scratching Behaviors. J Neurosci 2023; 43:1334-1347. [PMID: 36653189 PMCID: PMC9987576 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1359-22.2023] [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: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Itch is an uncomfortable and complex sensation that elicits the desire to scratch. The nucleus accumbens (NAc) activity is important in driving sensation, motivation, and emotion. Excitatory afferents from the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), amygdala, and hippocampus are crucial in tuning the activity of dopamine receptor D1-expressing and D2-expressing medium spiny neurons (Drd1-MSN and Drd2-MSN) in the NAc. However, a cell-type and neural circuity-based mechanism of the NAc underlying acute itch remains unclear. We found that acute itch induced by compound 48/80 (C48/80) decreased the intrinsic membrane excitability in Drd1-MSNs, but not in Drd2-MSNs, in the NAc core of male mice. Chemogenetic activation of Drd1-MSNs alleviated C48/80-induced scratching behaviors but not itch-related anxiety-like behaviors. In addition, C48/80 enhanced the frequency of spontaneous EPSCs (sEPSCs) and reduced the paired-pulse ratio (PPR) of electrical stimulation-evoked EPSCs in Drd1-MSNs. Furthermore, C48/80 increased excitatory synaptic afferents to Drd1-MSNs from the mPFC, not from the basolateral amygdala (BLA) or ventral hippocampus (vHipp). Consistently, the intrinsic excitability of mPFC-NAc projecting pyramidal neurons was increased after C48/80 treatment. Chemogenetic inhibition of mPFC-NAc excitatory synaptic afferents relieved the scratching behaviors. Moreover, pharmacological activation of κ opioid receptor (KOR) in the NAc core suppressed C48/80-induced scratching behaviors, and the modulation of KOR activity in the NAc resulted in the changes of presynaptic excitatory inputs to Drd1-MSNs in C48/80-treated mice. Together, these results reveal the neural plasticity in synapses of NAc Drd1-MSNs from the mPFC underlying acute itch and indicate the modulatory role of the KOR in itch-related scratching behaviors.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Itch stimuli cause strongly scratching desire and anxiety in patients. However, the related neural mechanisms remain largely unclear. In the present study, we demonstrated that the pruritogen compound 48/80 (C48/80) shapes the excitability of dopamine receptor D1-expressing medium spiny neurons (Drd1-MSNs) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) core and the glutamatergic synaptic afferents from medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) to these neurons. Chemogenetic activation of Drd1-MSNs or inhibition of mPFC-NAc excitatory synaptic afferents relieves the scratching behaviors. In addition, pharmacological activation of κ opioid receptor (KOR) in the NAc core alleviates C48/80-induced itch. Thus, targeting mPFC-NAc Drd1-MSNs or KOR may provide effective treatments for itch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Bo Wu
- Institute of Pain Medicine and Special Environmental Medicine, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Jiangsu 226019, China
| | - Qian Zhu
- Institute of Pain Medicine and Special Environmental Medicine, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Jiangsu 226019, China
| | - Ming-Hui Gao
- Institute of Pain Medicine and Special Environmental Medicine, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Jiangsu 226019, China
| | - Sheng-Xiang Yan
- Institute of Pain Medicine and Special Environmental Medicine, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Jiangsu 226019, China
| | - Pan-Yang Gu
- Institute of Pain Medicine and Special Environmental Medicine, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Jiangsu 226019, China
| | - Peng-Fei Zhang
- Institute of Pain Medicine and Special Environmental Medicine, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Jiangsu 226019, China
| | - Meng-Lin Xu
- Institute of Pain Medicine and Special Environmental Medicine, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Jiangsu 226019, China
| | - Yong-Jing Gao
- Institute of Pain Medicine and Special Environmental Medicine, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Jiangsu 226019, China
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14
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Chen QY, Zhuo M. Glutamate acts as a key neurotransmitter for itch in the mammalian spinal cord. Mol Pain 2023; 19:17448069231152101. [PMID: 36604775 PMCID: PMC9846298 DOI: 10.1177/17448069231152101] [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] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Itch sensation is one of the major sensory experiences of humans and animals. Recent studies using genetic deletion techniques have proposed that gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) is a key neurotransmitter for itch in the spinal cord. However, these studies are mainly based on behavioral responses and lack direct electrophysiological evidence that GRP indeed mediates itch information between primary afferent fibers and spinal dorsal horn neurons. In this review, we reviewed recent studies using different experimental approaches and proposed that glutamate but not GRP acts as the key neurotransmitter in the primary afferents in the transmission of itch. GRP is more likely to serve as an itch-related neuromodulator. In the cerebral cortex, we propose that the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) plays a significant role in both itch and pain sensations. Only behavioral measurement of itch (scratching) is not sufficient for itch measurement, since scratching the itching area also produces pleasure. Integrative experimental approaches as well as better behavioral scoring models are needed to help to understand the neuronal mechanism of itch and aid future treatment for patients with pruritic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Yu Chen
- Qingdao International Academician
Park, International Institute for Brain
Research, Qingdao, China,CAS Key Laboratory of Brain
Connectome and Manipulation, Interdisciplinary Center for Brain Information, The
Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of
Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen Institute of
Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Shenzhen
Institute of Advanced Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Min Zhuo
- Qingdao International Academician
Park, International Institute for Brain
Research, Qingdao, China,Department of Physiology, Faculty
of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada,Min Zhuo, Institute of Brain Research,
Qingdao International Academician Park, Qingdao 266199, China.
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15
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Liu JJ, Li X, Guo J, Yu S, Yang S. Role of GRPR in Acupuncture Intervention in the "Itch-scratch Vicious Cycle" Spinal Circuit of Chronic Pruritus. Chin Med 2023; 18:2. [PMID: 36597164 PMCID: PMC9809006 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-022-00706-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Many previous studies have shown the potential antipruritic effect of acupuncture. This paper reviews the antipruritic mechanisms of acupuncture according to these aspects: sample characteristics, detail of intervention, and effects evaluation. The majority of research on acupuncture's antipruritic effect has focused on primary afferents of the peripheral mechanism. Relatively few studies, however, have addressed the central mechanisms. Combination the latest research achievements of chronic itch, gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord may represent the first molecule identified that is dedicated to mediating the itch response and may provide an important therapeutic target for the treatment of chronic pruritic conditions. Therefore, GRPR may be a new target for acupuncture to relieve itch in the future and provide new ideas for acupuncture intervention in the mechanisms of the spinal level of the "itch-scratch vicious cycle" of chronic itch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-jia Liu
- grid.411304.30000 0001 0376 205XAcupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan China
| | - Xuemei Li
- grid.411304.30000 0001 0376 205XAcupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan China
| | - Jing Guo
- grid.411304.30000 0001 0376 205XAcupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan China
| | - Shuguang Yu
- grid.411304.30000 0001 0376 205XAcupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan China ,Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province for Acupuncture and Chronobiology, Chengdu, Sichuan China
| | - Sha Yang
- grid.411304.30000 0001 0376 205XAcupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan China ,grid.411304.30000 0001 0376 205XAcupuncture and Brain Science Research Center, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan China
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16
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Zhang TT, Guo SS, Wang HY, Jing Q, Yi X, Hu ZH, Yu XR, Xu TL, Liu MG, Zhao X. An Anterior Cingulate Cortex-to-Midbrain Projection Controls Chronic Itch in Mice. Neurosci Bull 2022; 39:793-807. [PMID: 36528690 PMCID: PMC10169993 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-022-00996-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractItch is an unpleasant sensation that provokes the desire to scratch. While acute itch serves as a protective system to warn the body of external irritating agents, chronic itch is a debilitating but poorly-treated clinical disease leading to repetitive scratching and skin lesions. However, the neural mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of chronic itch remain mysterious. Here, we identified a cell type-dependent role of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in controlling chronic itch-related excessive scratching behaviors in mice. Moreover, we delineated a neural circuit originating from excitatory neurons of the ACC to the ventral tegmental area (VTA) that was critically involved in chronic itch. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the ACC→VTA circuit also selectively modulated histaminergic acute itch. Finally, the ACC neurons were shown to predominantly innervate the non-dopaminergic neurons of the VTA. Taken together, our findings uncover a cortex–midbrain circuit for chronic itch-evoked scratching behaviors and shed novel insights on therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Ting Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Su-Shan Guo
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Hui-Ying Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Qi Jing
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Xin Yi
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Zi-Han Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Xin-Ren Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Tian-Le Xu
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
- Center for Brain Science of Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Ming-Gang Liu
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
- Center for Brain Science of Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China.
| | - Xuan Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China.
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17
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Jiang S, Wang YS, Zheng XX, Zhao SL, Wang Y, Sun L, Chen PH, Zhou Y, Tin C, Li HL, Sui JF, Wu GY. Itch-specific neurons in the ventrolateral orbital cortex selectively modulate the itch processing. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabn4408. [PMID: 35905177 PMCID: PMC9337765 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abn4408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Itch is a cutaneous sensation that is critical in driving scratching behavior. The long-standing question of whether there are specific neurons for itch modulation inside the brain remains unanswered. Here, we report a subpopulation of itch-specific neurons in the ventrolateral orbital cortex (VLO) that is distinct from the pain-related neurons. Using a Tet-Off cellular labeling system, we showed that local inhibition or activation of these itch-specific neurons in the VLO significantly suppressed or enhanced itch-induced scratching, respectively, whereas the intervention did not significantly affect pain. Conversely, suppression or activation of pain-specific neurons in the VLO significantly affected pain but not itch. Moreover, fiber photometry and immunofluorescence verified that these itch- and pain-specific neurons are distinct in their functional activity and histological location. In addition, the downstream targets of itch- and pain-specific neurons were different. Together, the present study uncovers an important subpopulation of neurons in the VLO that specifically modulates itch processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Jiang
- Experimental Center of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Yi-Song Wang
- Experimental Center of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Xiao-Xia Zheng
- Experimental Center of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Shan-Lan Zhao
- Experimental Center of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Experimental Center of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Lin Sun
- Experimental Center of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Peng-Hui Chen
- Department of Neurobiology, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Department of Neurobiology, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Chung Tin
- Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong-Li Li
- Experimental Center of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Jian-Feng Sui
- Experimental Center of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
- Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Guang-Yan Wu
- Experimental Center of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
- Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
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18
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Novel selective κ agonists SLL-039 and SLL-1206 produce potent antinociception with fewer sedation and aversion. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2022; 43:1372-1382. [PMID: 34493813 PMCID: PMC9160296 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-021-00761-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
SLL-039 (N-cyclopropylmethyl-7α-4'-(N'-benzoyl) amino-phenyl-6,14-endoethano-tetrahydronorthebaine) and SLL-1206 (N-cyclopropylmethyl-7α-3'-(p-methoxybenzyl) amino-phenyl-6,14-endoethano-tetrahydronorthebaine) are two 4,5-epoxymorphinan-based high selective κ receptor agonists that we recently discovered. In the present study we characterized their pharmacological properties in comparison with arylacetamide-based typical κ agonist U50,488H. We showed that both SLL-039 and SLL-1206 produced potent and long-lasting antinociceptive actions in three different rodent models of pain via activation of κ opioid receptor. In hot-plate assay, the antinociceptive potency of SLL-039 and SLL-1206 increased about 11-and 17.3-fold compared to U50,488H and morphine, respectively, with ED50 values of 0.4 mg/kg. Following repeated administration, SLL-1206, SLL-039, and U50,488H all developed analgesic tolerance tested in hot-plate assay. U50,488H and SLL-039 produced antipruritic effects in a dose-dependent manner, whereas SLL-1206 displayed some antipruritic effects only at very low doses. In addition, SLL-1206 was capable of decreasing morphine-induced physical dependence. More importantly, SLL-039 and SLL-1206 at effective analgesic doses did not cause sedation and conditioned place aversion (CPA), whereas U50,488H did. In comparison with SLL-039, SLL-1206 caused similar antinociceptive responses, but fewer sedation and CPA. In conclusion, our results suggest that SLL-039 and SLL-1206 have potential to be developed as novel analgesic agents, and 4,5-expoxymorphinan scaffold is an attractive structure for the development of selective κ agonists with fewer side effects.
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19
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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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20
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Chen M, He T, Yi XH, Tang MC, Long JH, Wang PJ, Liu J, Yao J, Li HL, Sui JF, Wu GY. Infralimbic cortex–medial striatum projections modulate the itch processing. Exp Neurol 2022; 354:114101. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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21
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Shi W, Xue M, Wu F, Fan K, Chen QY, Xu F, Li X, Bi G, Lu J, Zhuo M. Whole-brain mapping of efferent projections of the anterior cingulate cortex in adult male mice. Mol Pain 2022; 18:17448069221094529. [PMID: 35354345 PMCID: PMC9083044 DOI: 10.1177/17448069221094529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is a key cortical region that plays an important role in pain perception and emotional functions. Previous studies of the ACC projections have been collected primarily from monkeys, rabbits and rats. Due to technological advances, such as gene manipulation, recent progress has been made in our understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of the ACC-related chronic pain and emotion is mainly obtained from adult mice. Few anatomic studies have examined the whole-brain projections of the ACC in adult mice. In the present study, we examined the continuous axonal outputs of the ACC in the whole brain of adult male mice. We used the virus anterograde tracing technique and an ultrahigh-speed imaging method of Volumetric Imaging with Synchronized on-the-fly-scan and Readout (VISoR). We created a three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of mouse brains. We found that the ACC projected ipsilaterally primarily to the caudate putamen (CPu), ventral thalamic nucleus, zona incerta (ZI), periaqueductal gray (PAG), superior colliculus (SC), interpolar spinal trigeminal nucleus (Sp5I), and dorsal medullary reticular nucleus (MdD). The ACC also projected to contralateral brain regions, including the ACC, reuniens thalamic nucleus (Re), PAG, Sp5I, and MdD. Our results provide a whole-brain mapping of efferent projections from the ACC in adult male mice, and these findings are critical for future studies of the molecular and synaptic mechanisms of the ACC and its related network in mouse models of brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Man Xue
- 12480Xi'an Jiaotong University
| | - Fengyi Wu
- 85411Chinese Academy of Sciences Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology
| | - Kexin Fan
- 598900Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Basic Medical Sciences
| | - Qi-Yu Chen
- 85411Chinese Academy of Sciences Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology
| | - Fang Xu
- 85411Chinese Academy of Sciences Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology
| | | | - Guoqiang Bi
- 85411Chinese Academy of Sciences Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology
| | | | - Min Zhuo
- Physiology7938University of Toronto
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22
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Mu D, Sun YG. Circuit Mechanisms of Itch in the Brain. J Invest Dermatol 2021; 142:23-30. [PMID: 34662562 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2021.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Itch is an unpleasant somatic sensation with the desire to scratch, and it consists of sensory, affective, and motivational components. Acute itch serves as a critical protective mechanism because an itch-evoked scratching response will help to remove harmful substances invading the skin. Recently, exciting progress has been made in deciphering the mechanisms of itch at both the peripheral nervous system and the CNS levels. Key neuronal subtypes and circuits have been revealed for ascending transmission and the descending modulation of itch. In this review, we mainly summarize the current understanding of the central circuit mechanisms of itch in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Mu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan-Gang Sun
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology (CEBSIT), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology, Shanghai, China.
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23
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Li X, Yao J, Hu KH, Wu B, Sui JF, Gao J, Wu GY, Liu SL. Differential roles of prelimbic and anterior cingulate cortical region in the modulation of histaminergic and non-histaminergic itch. Behav Brain Res 2021; 411:113388. [PMID: 34052263 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Itch is an unpleasant sensation that evokes a desire to scratch. Itch processing in the peripheral and spinal cord has been studied extensively, but the mechanism of itch in the central nervous system is still unclear. Anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and prelimbic cortex (Prl), two subregions of the prefrontal cortex closely related to emotion and motivation, have been reported to be activated during itching in a series of functional imaging studies. However, the exact role of Prl and the differences between ACC and Prl in itch modulation remains unknown. To directly test the differential roles of ACC and Prl in itch processing, we chemogeneticlly inhibited the caudal ACC and Prl, respectively. We found that inhibition of caudal ACC reduced histaminergic but not non-histaminergic itch-induced scratching behaviors. In contrast, inhibition of Prl reduced both histaminergic and non-histaminergic itch-induced scratching behaviors. Our study provided direct evidence of Prl involvement in itch modulation and revealed the differential roles of caudal ACC and Prl in regulating histaminergic and non-histaminergic itch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Li
- Experimental Center of Basic Medicine, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Juan Yao
- Experimental Center of Basic Medicine, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Ke-Hui Hu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Suining Central Hospital, Suining, 629000, China
| | - Bing Wu
- Experimental Center of Basic Medicine, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Jian-Feng Sui
- Experimental Center of Basic Medicine, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Jie Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China.
| | - Guang-Yan Wu
- Experimental Center of Basic Medicine, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Shu-Lei Liu
- Experimental Center of Basic Medicine, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
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24
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Zhuang X, Huang L, Gu Y, Wang L, Zhang R, Zhang M, Li F, Shi Y, Mo Y, Dai Q, Wei C, Wang J. The anterior cingulate cortex projection to the dorsomedial striatum modulates hyperalgesia in a chronic constriction injury mouse model. Arch Med Sci 2021; 17:1388-1399. [PMID: 34522268 PMCID: PMC8425248 DOI: 10.5114/aoms.2019.85202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of the study was to study the role of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC)-dorsal midbrain striatum (DMS) in neuropathic pain in mice. MATERIAL AND METHODS Optogenetics has been increasingly used in neuroscience research to selectively and precisely control the activity of a defined group of central neurons to determine their roles in behavioral functions in animals. The most important opsins are blue-sensitive ChR2 and yellow-sensitive NpHR. Calcium-calmodulin dependent protein kinase Iiα (CaMKIIα) is mostly expressed in the pyramidal excitatory neurons. Mice were injected with AAV2/9-CamKII-ChR2-mCherry, AAV2/9-CamKII-eNpHR3.0-GFP or AAV2/9-CamKII-mCherry virus in the ACC region, and the optical fiber implantation was performed in the ACC or DMS region. Mice were then followed up for 2 to 8 weeks and behavioral tests were carried out in the presence or absence of the blue/yellow light (473 nm/589 nm). Pain behavioral tests with or without the blue/yellow light at the same time were performed on the third and the seventh day after the chronic constriction injury of sciatic nerve model (CCI) was established. The pain thresholds of left and right hind limbs of mice in all groups were measured. RESULTS No matter whether activating the neurons in ACC or DMS, compared with normal mice in the ChR2-off-right group, and the mCherry-on-right group, the thermal pain threshold and mechanical pain threshold of the normal mice in the ChR2-on-right group were significantly lower. When inhibiting the neurons in the ACC or DMS, on day 3 and day 7 after CCI operation, the thermal pain threshold and mechanical pain threshold of the CCI mice of the NpHR-on-right group were significantly higher compared with the NpHR-off-right and mCherry-on-right groups. CONCLUSIONS The anterior cingulate cortex-dorsal midbrain striatum may be involved in the regulation of neuropathic pain in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuxiu Zhuang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Luping Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yixiao Gu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Minyuan Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Fei Li
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yiyi Shi
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yunchang Mo
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Qinxue Dai
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Chaoyi Wei
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Junlu Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
- Wencheng Country People’s Hospital, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
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25
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Glutamatergic lateral hypothalamus promotes defensive behaviors. Neuropharmacology 2020; 178:108239. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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26
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Posterior Thalamic Nucleus Mediates Facial Histaminergic Itch. Neuroscience 2020; 444:54-63. [PMID: 32750381 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.07.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Itch induces a desire to scratch and leads to skin damage in some severe conditions. Much progress has been made in the peripheral and spinal level, and recent findings suggested that we need to focus on the central circuitry mechanism. However, the functional role of the thalamus in itch signal processing remains largely unknown. We showed that the posterior thalamic nucleus (Po) played a vital role in modulating facial histaminergic itch signal processing. We found that the calcium signal of Po neurons was increased during the histaminergic itch-induced scratching behavior in the cheek model, and pharmacogenetic suppression of Po neurons reduced the scratching behaviors. Retrograde mapping results suggested that the Po receives information from the somatosensory cortex, motor cortex, parabrachial nucleus (PBN), the principal sensory trigeminal nucleus (PrV) and the spinal trigeminal nucleus (SpV), which participate in itch signal transmission from head and body. Thus, our study indicates that the Po is critical in modulating facial histaminergic itch signal processing.
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27
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Abstract
Itch, in particular chronic forms, has been widely recognized as an important clinical problem, but much less is known about the mechanisms of itch in comparison with other sensory modalities such as pain. Recently, considerable progress has been made in dissecting the circuit mechanisms of itch at both the spinal and supraspinal levels. Major components of the spinal neural circuit underlying both chemical and mechanical itch have now been identified, along with the circuits relaying ascending transmission and the descending modulation of itch. In this review, we summarize the progress in elucidating the neural circuit mechanism of itch at spinal and supraspinal levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Jun Chen
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science & Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue-Yang Road, 200031, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yu-quan Road, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Yan-Gang Sun
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science & Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue-Yang Road, 200031, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology, 201210, Shanghai, China.
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28
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Deng YZ, Lu YC, Wu WW, Cheng L, Zan GY, Chai JR, Wang YJ, Chen Z, Liu JG. Anteromedial thalamic nucleus to anterior cingulate cortex inputs modulate histaminergic itch sensation. Neuropharmacology 2020; 168:108028. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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29
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Koga K, Yamada A, Song Q, Li XH, Chen QY, Liu RH, Ge J, Zhan C, Furue H, Zhuo M, Chen T. Ascending noradrenergic excitation from the locus coeruleus to the anterior cingulate cortex. Mol Brain 2020; 13:49. [PMID: 32216807 PMCID: PMC7098117 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-020-00586-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) plays important roles in sensory perception including pain and itch. Neurons in the ACC receive various neuromodulatory inputs from subcortical structures, including locus coeruleus noradrenaline (LC-NA) neurons. Few studies have been reported about synaptic and behavioral functions of LC-NA projections to the ACC. Using viral-genetic method (AAV-DIO-eYFP) on DBH-cre mice, we found that LC-NA formed synaptic connections to ACC pyramidal cells but not interneurons. This is further supported by the electron microscopic study showing NAergic fibers contact the presynaptic inputs and post-synaptic areas of the pyramidal cells. NA application produced both pre- and post-synaptic potentiation effects in ACC excitatory transmission in vivo and in vitro. Activation of LC-NA projection to the ACC by optogenetic method produced enhancement of excitatory transmission in vitro and induced scratching and behavioral sensitization for mechanical stimulation. Our results demonstrate that LC-NA projections enhance or facilitate brain responses to pain and itch by potentiating glutamatergic synaptic transmissions in the ACC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Koga
- Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institute of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Medical Science Building, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A8, Canada.,Department of Neurophysiology, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, 663-8501, Japan
| | - Akihiro Yamada
- Department of Neurophysiology, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, 663-8501, Japan
| | - Qian Song
- Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institute of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Medical Science Building, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Xu-Hui Li
- Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institute of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Medical Science Building, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Qi-Yu Chen
- Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institute of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Medical Science Building, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Ren-Hao Liu
- Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institute of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Jun Ge
- Department of Anatomy, Histology & Embryology, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Cheng Zhan
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, 102206, China.,Tsinghua Institute of Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Hidemasa Furue
- Department of Neurophysiology, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, 663-8501, Japan
| | - Min Zhuo
- Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institute of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China. .,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Medical Science Building, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A8, Canada.
| | - Tao Chen
- Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institute of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China. .,Department of Anatomy, Histology & Embryology, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
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30
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Samineni VK, Grajales-Reyes JG, Sundaram SS, Yoo JJ, Gereau RW. Cell type-specific modulation of sensory and affective components of itch in the periaqueductal gray. Nat Commun 2019; 10:4356. [PMID: 31554789 PMCID: PMC6761157 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12316-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Itch is a distinct aversive sensation that elicits a strong urge to scratch. Despite recent advances in our understanding of the peripheral basis of itch, we know very little regarding how central neural circuits modulate acute and chronic itch processing. Here we establish the causal contributions of defined periaqueductal gray (PAG) neuronal populations in itch modulation in mice. Chemogenetic manipulations demonstrate bidirectional modulation of scratching by neurons in the PAG. Fiber photometry studies show that activity of GABAergic and glutamatergic neurons in the PAG is modulated in an opposing manner during chloroquine-evoked scratching. Furthermore, activation of PAG GABAergic neurons or inhibition of glutamatergic neurons resulted in attenuation of scratching in both acute and chronic pruritis. Surprisingly, PAG GABAergic neurons, but not glutamatergic neurons, may encode the aversive component of itch. Thus, the PAG represents a neuromodulatory hub that regulates both the sensory and affective aspects of acute and chronic itch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay K Samineni
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave, Box 8054, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Washington University Pain Center, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave, Box 8054, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Jose G Grajales-Reyes
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave, Box 8054, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Washington University Pain Center, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave, Box 8054, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave, Box 8054, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Neuroscience Program, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave, Box 8054, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Saranya S Sundaram
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave, Box 8054, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Washington University Pain Center, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave, Box 8054, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Judy J Yoo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave, Box 8054, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Washington University Pain Center, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave, Box 8054, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Robert W Gereau
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave, Box 8054, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
- Washington University Pain Center, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave, Box 8054, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave, Box 8054, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
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31
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Gao ZR, Chen WZ, Liu MZ, Chen XJ, Wan L, Zhang XY, Yuan L, Lin JK, Wang M, Zhou L, Xu XH, Sun YG. Tac1-Expressing Neurons in the Periaqueductal Gray Facilitate the Itch-Scratching Cycle via Descending Regulation. Neuron 2019; 101:45-59.e9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2018.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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32
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Dynamics and Functional Role of Dopaminergic Neurons in the Ventral Tegmental Area during Itch Processing. J Neurosci 2018; 38:9856-9869. [PMID: 30266741 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1483-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Itchiness triggers a strong urge to engage in scratching behavior, which could lead to severe skin or tissue damage in patients with chronic itch. This process is dynamically modulated. However, the neural mechanisms underlying itch modulation remain largely unknown. Here, we report that dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) play a critical role in modulating itch-induced scratching behavior. We found that the activity of VTA DA neurons was increased during pruritogen-induced scratching behavior in freely moving male mice. Consistently, individual VTA DA neurons mainly exhibited elevated neural activity during itch-induced scratching behavior as demonstrated by in vivo extracellular recording. In behavioral experiments, the transient suppression of VTA DA neurons with the optogenetic approach shortened the pruritogen-induced scratching train. Furthermore, the DA projection from the VTA to the lateral shell of the nucleus accumbens exhibited strong activation as measured with fiber photometry during itch-elicited scratching behavior. These results revealed the dynamic activity of VTA DA neurons during itch processing and demonstrated the modulatory role of the DA system in itch-induced scratching behavior.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Itchiness is an unpleasant sensation that evokes a scratching response for relief. However, the neural mechanism underlying the modulation of itch-evoked scratching in the brain remains elusive. Here, by combining fiber photometry, extracellular recording, and optogenetic manipulation, we show that the dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area play a modulatory role in itch-evoked scratching behavior. These results reveal a potential target for suppressing excessive scratching responses in patients with chronic itch.
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