Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 10, 2026
04:59
Cheek Injection Model for Simultaneous Measurement of Pain and Itch-related Behaviors
Published on: September 27, 2019
13.3K
HTR7 Mediates Serotonergic Acute and Chronic Itch
Takeshi Morita1, Shannan P McClain2, Lyn M Batia2
1Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, 142 Life Sciences Addition, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720-3200, USA; Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
Neuron
|June 16, 2015
Summary
Scientists discovered that the serotonin receptor HTR7 is a key player in causing itch. Blocking HTR7 may help treat chronic itch conditions like atopic dermatitis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Chronic itch is a widespread and disabling condition with limited treatment options.
- Serotonin signaling is implicated in various human chronic itch disorders, such as atopic dermatitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify novel molecular targets for treating chronic itch by studying genetic variations in mice.
- To elucidate the role of serotonin signaling in mediating itch behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Utilized natural genetic variations across mouse strains to find co-regulated transcripts associated with itch behavior.
- Investigated the function of the serotonin receptor HTR7 and the ion channel TRPA1 in itch pathways.
- Examined the effects of HTR7 and TRPA1 deficiency in a mouse model of atopic dermatitis.
Main Results:
- Identified HTR7 as a critical mediator of serotonergic itch.
- Demonstrated that HTR7 activation leads to TRPA1 channel opening, triggering itch behaviors.
- Found that both HTR7 and TRPA1 are essential for acute itch induced by serotonin or SSRIs.
- Mice lacking HTR7 or TRPA1 showed reduced scratching and skin lesions in an atopic dermatitis model.
Conclusions:
- HTR7 plays a significant role in both acute and chronic itch.
- HTR7 antagonists represent a potential therapeutic strategy for diverse pathological itch conditions.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:23Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Serotonin Receptor Agonists
1.3K
Serotonin, a crucial neurotransmitter synthesized by enterochromaffin cells, plays a cardinal role in regulating gastrointestinal (GI) motility. With over 90% of the body's total serotonin in the GI tract, its influence on digestive processes is profound. Serotonin is swiftly released upon various stimuli, such as food boluses or certain drugs, triggering intrinsic sensory neurons in the myenteric plexus and extrinsic vagal and spinal sensory neurons. This leads to the activation of the...
1.3K
01:27Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonists
879
5-HT3 receptor antagonists, such as dolasetron, granisetron (Kytril), ondansetron (Zofran), and palonosetron (Axoli), are crucial in managing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) and postoperative nausea. These drugs selectively block 5-HT3 receptors in the visceral vagal and spinal afferent nerves, chemoreceptor trigger zone, and the vomiting center. They have a rapid onset of action and can be given as a single dose before chemotherapy. Ondansetron and granisetron, in particular,...
879
01:24T Cell Types and Functions
3.4K
When T cells with CD4 markers are activated, they give rise to two types of effector cells: helper T cells and regulatory T cells. Meanwhile, T cells with CD8 markers differentiate into effector cytotoxic T cells. The differentiation of CD4 T cells into helper T cell subsets, such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, is dependent on the antigen type, antigen-presenting cell, and regulatory cytokines.
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
3.4K
01:28Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists
773
Neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptors are distributed across the GI tract, vagal afferents, and key CNS regions including the central vomiting center and chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) Chemotherapy agents stimulate enterochromaffin cells in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to release large amounts of substance P (SP). SP is a neuropeptide released by specific sensory nerves in response to many different stressors, including those in the GI mucosa affected by chemotherapy. SP binds and activates...
773
01:22Pathophysiology of Vomiting
4.2K
Vomiting is a complex physiological response to expel harmful or irritating substances from the body. It's a defensive mechanism triggered by stimuli like poisons, microbial toxins, cytotoxic drugs, and mechanical abdominal distension. The process is centrally coordinated by the vomiting (or emetic) center located in the medulla of the brainstem. This area, rich in muscarinic M1, histamine H1, neurokinin 1 (NK1), and serotonin 5-HT3 receptors, coordinates the act of vomiting through...
4.2K
01:30Drug Toxicity: Allergic Reactions
169
Drug-related allergies are immune-mediated responses triggered by the administration of pharmacological agents. These hypersensitivity reactions are classified based on the immune mechanisms involved. The four primary types—Type I, II, III, and IV—are mediated by different immunological pathways and exhibit distinct clinical manifestations.Type I Hypersensitivity/ IgE-Mediated Reactions: Immunoglobulin E (IgE) immediately mediates Type I hypersensitivity reactions. Upon initial...
169