Itch-specific neurons in the ventrolateral orbital cortex selectively modulate the itch processing

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

13 Scopus Citations
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Author(s)

  • Shan Jiang
  • Yi-Song Wang
  • Xiao-Xia Zheng
  • Shan-Lan Zhao
  • Yi Wang
  • Lin Sun
  • Peng-Hui Chen
  • Yi Zhou
  • Hong-Li Li
  • Jian-Feng Sui
  • Guang-Yan Wu

Detail(s)

Original languageEnglish
Article numbereabn4408
Journal / PublicationScience Advances
Volume8
Issue number30
Online published29 Jul 2022
Publication statusPublished - 29 Jul 2022

Link(s)

Abstract

Itch is a cutaneous sensation that is critical in driving scratching behavior. The long-standing question of whether there are specific neurons for itch modulation inside the brain remains unanswered. Here, we report a subpopulation of itch-specific neurons in the ventrolateral orbital cortex (VLO) that is distinct from the pain-related neurons. Using a Tet-Off cellular labeling system, we showed that local inhibition or activation of these itch-specific neurons in the VLO significantly suppressed or enhanced itch-induced scratching, respectively, whereas the intervention did not significantly affect pain. Conversely, suppression or activation of pain-specific neurons in the VLO significantly affected pain but not itch. Moreover, fiber photometry and immunofluorescence verified that these itch- and pain-specific neurons are distinct in their functional activity and histological location. In addition, the downstream targets of itch- and pain-specific neurons were different. Together, the present study uncovers an important subpopulation of neurons in the VLO that specifically modulates itch processing.

Research Area(s)

Citation Format(s)

Itch-specific neurons in the ventrolateral orbital cortex selectively modulate the itch processing. / Jiang, Shan; Wang, Yi-Song; Zheng, Xiao-Xia et al.
In: Science Advances, Vol. 8, No. 30, eabn4408, 29.07.2022.

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

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