Molecular Determinants of Mechanical Itch Sensitization in Chronic Itch.

ABSTRACT: Chronic itch is associated with sensitization of the somatosensory nervous system. Recent studies have identified the neural circuits transmitting acute itch; however, the mechanisms by which itch transforms into a pathological state remain largely unknown. We have previously shown that Aβ low-threshold mechanoreceptors, together with spinal urocortin 3-positive (Ucn3⁺) excitatory interneurons and neuropeptide Y-positive (NPY⁺) inhibitory interneurons, form a microcircuit that transmits and gates acute mechanical itch. Here, using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings, we observed increased excitability in spinal Ucn3⁺ neurons under chronic itch conditions. In contrast to Ucn3⁺ neurons, the excitability of spinal NPY⁺ neurons was largely r

SUBMITTER: Lee H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9244800 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature