(226) Gastrin-Releasing Peptide Defines an Itch-Specific Circuit in the Spinal Dorsal Horn

Recent studies have indicated that the spinal activity of gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) and its receptor, GRPR, selectively modulate itching behaviors over other somatosensations including pain behaviors. Despite behavioral selectivity, how GRP acts within the spinal cord to selectively convey itch to the brain is not understood. Utilizing a novel ex vivo somatosensory preparation, retrograde labeling of spinal projection neurons, and multiphoton Ca2+ imaging, the activity of excitatory interneurons and projection neurons in the ex vivo spinal cord can be recorded in response to natural stimulation of the skin and pharmacologic modulation of GRP signaling.
Source: The Journal of Pain - Category: Materials Science Authors: Source Type: research