Different dorsal horn neurons responding to histamine and allergic itch stimuli

Neuroreport. 2008 May 7;19(7):723-6. doi: 10.1097/WNR.0b013e3282fdf6c5.

Abstract

We examined whether different itch signals converge on the same dorsal horn neurons in mice. Intradermal injections of histamine and SLIGRL-NH2 (protease-activated receptor-2 agonist) induced scratching in naive mice and so did mosquito allergen in sensitized mice. These stimuli induced Fos expression in cells in the superficial dorsal horn. Fos-positive cells were mainly distributed within the isolectin B4-labeled region (inner aspect of lamina II) after histamine injection. In contrast, they were in the region dorsal to the isolectin B4-labeled region after injections of SLIGRL-NH2 and mosquito allergen. These results suggest that allergic itch signal is mediated by primary afferents expressing protease-activated receptor-2 and the neurons receiving signals of protease-associated itch and allergy-associated itch are different from those of histamine-induced itch.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Afferent Pathways / cytology
  • Afferent Pathways / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Histamine / pharmacology*
  • Hypersensitivity / metabolism*
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred ICR
  • Posterior Horn Cells / cytology*
  • Posterior Horn Cells / metabolism
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos / metabolism
  • Pruritus / etiology*
  • Pruritus / metabolism
  • Receptor, PAR-2 / metabolism
  • Skin / innervation

Substances

  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos
  • Receptor, PAR-2
  • Histamine