<p>The parabrachial nucleus (PBN) plays a crucial role in transmitting itch and affective pain signals to the brain regions such as the central amygdala (CeA). While CGRP<sup>+</sup> PBN neurons have been implicated in itch processing, the specific projections involved remain unclear. This study aimed to determine the proportion of itch-responsive PBN-CeA projections that express CGRP and to assess their functional role in itch and anxiety behaviors in mice. Using the Targeted Recombination in Active Populations system, we labeled itch-responsive PBN neurons with serotonin. Retrograde tracing revealed that approximately half of serotonin-responsive PBN neurons projecting to the CeA are CGRP<sup>+</sup>. Optogenetic stimulation of these PBN-CeA neurons elicited scratching behavior but did not enhance pruritogen-induced scratching or affect anxiety-like behaviors. In a mouse model of chronic itch, the inhibition of PBN-CeA neurons significantly reduced spontaneous scratching without impacting anxiety-like behaviors. These findings suggest that serotonin-responsive PBN-CeA neurons include both CGRP<sup>+</sup> and non-CGRP<sup>+</sup> populations and selectively mediate itch signaling.</p>

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A subpopulation of projections from the parabrachial nucleus to the central amygdala mediates itch

  • Darya Pavlenko,
  • Hirotake Ishida,
  • Anika Markan,
  • Tasuku Akiyama

摘要

The parabrachial nucleus (PBN) plays a crucial role in transmitting itch and affective pain signals to the brain regions such as the central amygdala (CeA). While CGRP+ PBN neurons have been implicated in itch processing, the specific projections involved remain unclear. This study aimed to determine the proportion of itch-responsive PBN-CeA projections that express CGRP and to assess their functional role in itch and anxiety behaviors in mice. Using the Targeted Recombination in Active Populations system, we labeled itch-responsive PBN neurons with serotonin. Retrograde tracing revealed that approximately half of serotonin-responsive PBN neurons projecting to the CeA are CGRP+. Optogenetic stimulation of these PBN-CeA neurons elicited scratching behavior but did not enhance pruritogen-induced scratching or affect anxiety-like behaviors. In a mouse model of chronic itch, the inhibition of PBN-CeA neurons significantly reduced spontaneous scratching without impacting anxiety-like behaviors. These findings suggest that serotonin-responsive PBN-CeA neurons include both CGRP+ and non-CGRP+ populations and selectively mediate itch signaling.