Distinct Roles of Dopamine Receptor Subtypes in the Nucleus Accumbens during Itch Signal Processing.

Ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopaminergic neurons, which are well known for their central roles in reward and motivation-related behaviors, have been shown to participate in itch processing via their projection to the nucleus accumbens (NAc). However, the functional roles of different dopamine receptor subtypes in subregions of the NAc during itch processing remain unknown. With pharmacological approaches, we found that the blockade of dopamine D1 receptors (D1R), but not dopamine D2 receptors (D2R), in the lateral shell (LaSh) of the NAc impaired pruritogen-induced scratching behavior in male mice.

Synaptic control of spinal GRPR neurons by local and long-range inhibitory inputs.

Spinal gastrin-releasing peptide receptor-expressing (GRPR) neurons play an essential role in itch signal processing. However, the circuit mechanisms underlying the modulation of spinal GRPR neurons by direct local and long-range inhibitory inputs remain elusive. Using viral tracing and electrophysiological approaches, we dissected the neural circuits underlying the inhibitory control of spinal GRPR neurons.

Dynamics and Functional Role of Dopaminergic Neurons in the Ventral Tegmental Area during Itch Processing.

Itchiness triggers a strong urge to engage in scratching behavior, which could lead to severe skin or tissue damage in patients with chronic itch. This process is dynamically modulated. However, the neural mechanisms underlying itch modulation remain largely unknown.