Distinct roles of NMB and GRP in itch transmission. Issue 1 (December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wan, Li; Jin, Hua; Liu, Xian-Yu; Jeffry, Joseph; Barry, Devin; Shen, Kai-Feng; Peng, Jia-Hang; Liu, Xue-Ting; Jin, Jin-Hua; Sun, Yu; Kim, Ray; Meng, Qing-Tao; Mo, Ping; Yin, Jun; Tao, Ailin; Bardoni, Rita; Chen, Zhou-Feng
• Is Part Of: Scientific reports. Volume 7:Issue 1(2017)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 16
• Publication Date: 2017-12
• Subjects: Natural history -- Research -- Periodicals; Biology -- Research -- Periodicals; Physical sciences -- Research -- Periodicals; Earth sciences -- Research -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Research -- Periodicals; 502.85
• DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-15756-0
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2045-2322

Abstract

Abstract A key question in our understanding of itch coding mechanisms is whether itch is relayed by dedicated molecular and neuronal pathways. Previous studies suggested that gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) is an itch-specific neurotransmitter. Neuromedin B (NMB) is a mammalian member of the bombesin family of peptides closely related to GRP, but its role in itch is unclear. Here, we show that itch deficits in mice lacking NMB or GRP are non-redundant andNmb/Grp double KO (DKO) mice displayed additive deficits. Furthermore, bothNmb/Grp andNmbr/Grpr DKO mice responded normally to a wide array of noxious stimuli. Ablation of NMBR neurons partially attenuated peripherally induced itch without compromising nociceptive processing. Importantly, electrophysiological studies suggested that GRPR neurons receive glutamatergic input from NMBR neurons. Thus, we propose that NMB and GRP may transmit discrete itch information and NMBR neurons are an integral part of neural circuits for itch in the spinal cord.