Dorsal horn neurons expressing NK-1 receptors mediate scratching in rats
EE Carstens, MI Carstens, CT Simons, SL Jinks - Neuroreport, 2010 - journals.lww.com
Itch is thought to be signaled by pruritogen-responsive neurons in the superficial spinal
dorsal horn. Many neurons here express the substance P NK-1 receptor. We investigated
whether neurotoxic destruction of spinal NK-1-expressing neurons affected itch-related
scratching behavior. Rats received intracisternal substance P conjugated to saporin (SP-
SAP), or saporin (SAP) only (controls), and were subsequently tested for scratching behavior
elicited by intradermal 5-hydroxytryptamine. SAP controls exhibited dose-related hindlimb …
dorsal horn. Many neurons here express the substance P NK-1 receptor. We investigated
whether neurotoxic destruction of spinal NK-1-expressing neurons affected itch-related
scratching behavior. Rats received intracisternal substance P conjugated to saporin (SP-
SAP), or saporin (SAP) only (controls), and were subsequently tested for scratching behavior
elicited by intradermal 5-hydroxytryptamine. SAP controls exhibited dose-related hindlimb …
