Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: TRP , TRPA , TRPA1

Title: HTR7 Mediates Serotonergic Acute and Chronic Itch.

Authors: Takeshi Morita, Shannan P McClain, Lyn M Batia, Maurizio Pellegrino, Sarah R Wilson, Michael A Kienzler, Kyle Lyman, Anne Sofie Braun Olsen, Justin F Wong, Cheryl L Stucky, Rachel B Brem, Diana M Bautista

Journal, date & volume: Neuron, 2015 Jul 1 , 87, 124-38

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26074006

Abstract
Chronic itch is a prevalent and debilitating condition for which few effective therapies are available. We harnessed the natural variation across genetically distinct mouse strains to identify transcripts co-regulated with itch behavior. This survey led to the discovery of the serotonin receptor HTR7 as a key mediator of serotonergic itch. Activation of HTR7 promoted opening of the ion channel TRPA1, which in turn triggered itch behaviors. In addition, acute itch triggered by serotonin or a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor required both HTR7 and TRPA1. Aberrant serotonin signaling has long been linked to a variety of human chronic itch conditions, including atopic dermatitis. In a mouse model of atopic dermatitis, mice lacking HTR7 or TRPA1 displayed reduced scratching and skin lesion severity. These data highlight a role for HTR7 in acute and chronic itch and suggest that HTR7 antagonists may be useful for treating a variety of pathological itch conditions.