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Updated: Mar 28, 2026

Cheek Injection Model for Simultaneous Measurement of Pain and Itch-related Behaviors
Published on: September 27, 2019
GRPR/PI3Kγ: Partners in Central Transmission of Itch
Paula J S Pereira1, Gustavo D B Machado2, Giuliano M Danesi2
1Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Instituto de Toxicologia e Farmacologia, Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, and.
The gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) transmits itch signals via the PI3Kγ/Akt pathway. Inhibiting this pathway offers a potential new treatment for chronic itch conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Itch is a common symptom with unclear pathophysiology, especially in chronic cases.
- Gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) signaling is crucial for itch transmission, but its downstream pathways are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the downstream signaling pathways of GRPR in itch transmission.
- To explore the role of the PI3Kγ/Akt pathway in GRPR-mediated itch.
Main Methods:
- Pharmacological, electrophysiological, and behavioral studies in mouse models and cell cultures.
- Utilized GRPR antagonists, PI3Kγ inhibitors, and Akt activators.
- Assessed neuronal activation, calcium flux, membrane depolarization, and scratching behavior.
Main Results:
- GRP activates capsaicin-sensitive DRG neurons, causing calcium influx and depolarization.
- GRPR activation leads to Akt phosphorylation, indicating PI3Kγ pathway involvement.
- Intrathecal GRP induced scratching, which was reduced by GRPR antagonists or PI3Kγ inhibition.
- PI3Kγ inhibition or GRPR blockade reversed scratching in a dry skin itch model.
Conclusions:
- GRPR is expressed by central DRG nociceptive afferents and transmits itch signals through the PI3Kγ/Akt pathway.
- PI3Kγ is identified as a key central mediator of itch transmission.
- PI3Kγ represents a promising therapeutic target for developing novel anti-pruritic drugs.
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