Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 18, 2026
Strategies for Assessing Autistic-Like Behaviors in Mice
Published on: September 20, 2024
Characteristics of scratching behavior in ADJM mice (atopic dermatitis from Japanese mice)
Tasuku Nakasone1, Takumi Sato, Yoshibumi Matsushima
1Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yasuda Women's University , Yasuhigashi, Asaminami-Ku, Hiroshima , Japan .
Abstract:
In order to elucidate the characteristics of scratching behavior in atopic dermatitis from Japanese mice (ADJM) mice, the effects of some antagonists of pruritogens on this behavior were studied. Both male and female ADJM mice showed frequent scratching behavior around the face, abdomen and back. The number of scratching behavior around the face was greater than on the abdomen and back, and scratching behavior in female mice was significantly more frequent than in male mice. Histamine H1 antagonist, chlorpheniramine, p.o., inhibited this behavior potently and dose-dependently. Histamine H1 antagonist with serotonin 5-TH(5-hydroxytryptamine)2 antagonist, cyproheptadine, also inhibited this behavior. However, NK1 antagonist, aprepitant, p.o., had no significant inhibitory effect even at a dose of 100 mg/kg, p.o., Mu antagonist, naloxone, and kappa agonist, nalfurafine, significantly inhibited this behavior at doses of 0.3 mg/kg, s.c., and 0.01 mg/kg, p.o., respectively. Histamine contents in the skin of ADJM mice were significantly higher than in BALB/c mice. These results strongly indicate that scratching behavior in ADJM mice is related with histamine H1, opioid mu and opioid kappa receptors.
Insights
Scratching behavior in atopic dermatitis Japanese mice (ADJM) is significantly reduced by histamine H1, mu-opioid, and kappa-opioid receptor antagonists. These findings highlight key pathways involved in ADJM pruritus.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Atopic dermatitis Japanese mice (ADJM) exhibit significant scratching behavior.
- Understanding the neuro-pharmacological underpinnings of pruritus in ADJM is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics of scratching behavior in ADJM mice.
- To evaluate the efficacy of various pruritogen antagonists in modulating this behavior.
Main Methods:
- Administration of histamine H1 antagonists (chlorpheniramine, cyproheptadine), NK1 antagonist (aprepitant), mu-opioid antagonist (naloxone), and kappa-opioid agonist (nalfurafine) to ADJM mice.
- Quantification of scratching behavior frequency and location.
- Measurement of histamine levels in mouse skin.
Main Results:
- ADJM mice displayed frequent scratching, particularly on the face, with females exhibiting more intense behavior than males.
- Chlorpheniramine and cyproheptadine potently inhibited scratching in a dose-dependent manner.
- Naloxone and nalfurafine significantly reduced scratching behavior, while aprepitant showed no significant effect.
- Histamine levels were elevated in ADJM mice compared to control BALB/c mice.
Conclusions:
- Scratching behavior in ADJM mice is strongly associated with histamine H1 receptor activity.
- Opioid mu and kappa receptors also play a significant role in mediating scratching in this model.
- These findings suggest potential therapeutic targets for managing pruritus in atopic dermatitis.
