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Papers of the Week


Papers: 21 Oct 2023 - 27 Oct 2023


2023 Oct 02


bioRxiv


37873278

Identification of a convergent spinal neuron population that encodes itch.

Authors

Sheahan TD, Warwick CA, Cui AY, Baranger DAA, Perry VJ, Smith KM, Manalo AP, Nguyen EK, Koerber HR, Ross SE

Abstract

Itch is a protective sensation that drives scratching. Although specific cell types have been proposed to underlie itch, the neural circuit basis for itch remains unclear. Here, we used two-photon Ca imaging in the dorsal horn to visualize the neuronal populations that are activated by itch-inducing agents. We identify a convergent population of spinal neurons that is defined by the expression of GRPR. Moreover, we discover that itch is conveyed to the brain via GRPR-expressing spinal output neurons that target the lateral parabrachial nucleus. Finally, we demonstrate that a subset of GRPR spinal neurons show persistent, cell-intrinsic Ca oscillations. These experiments provide the first population-level view of the spinal neurons that respond to pruritic stimuli and pinpoint the output neurons that convey itch to the brain.