{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Spinal Glycine Receptor Alpha 3 Cells Communicate Sensations of Chemical Itch in Hairy Skin.
{Author}: Weman HM;Ceder MM;Ahemaiti A;Magnusson KA;Henriksson K;Andréasson L;Lagerström MC;
{Journal}: J Neurosci
{Volume}: 44
{Issue}: 19
{Year}: 2024 May 8
{Factor}: 6.709
{DOI}: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1585-23.2024
{Abstract}: Glycinergic neurons regulate nociceptive and pruriceptive signaling in the spinal cord, but the identity and role of the glycine-regulated neurons are not fully known. Herein, we have characterized spinal glycine receptor alpha 3 (Glra3) subunit-expressing neurons in Glra3-Cre female and male mice. Glra3-Cre(+) neurons express Glra3, are located mainly in laminae III-VI, and respond to glycine. Chemogenetic activation of spinal Glra3-Cre(+) neurons induced biting/licking, stomping, and guarding behaviors, indicative of both a nociceptive and pruriceptive role for this population. Chemogenetic inhibition did not affect mechanical or thermal responses but reduced behaviors evoked by compound 48/80 and chloroquine, revealing a pruriceptive role for these neurons. Spinal cells activated by compound 48/80 or chloroquine express Glra3, further supporting the phenotype. Retrograde tracing revealed that spinal Glra3-Cre(+) neurons receive input from afferents associated with pain and itch, and dorsal root stimulation validated the monosynaptic input. In conclusion, these results show that spinal Glra3(+) neurons contribute to acute communication of compound 48/80- and chloroquine-induced itch in hairy skin.