Guo J, Ba X, Matsuda M, Wei P, Jiang C, Sun W, Xiao L, Xiong D, Liao X, Hao Y (2020) Oxytocin elicits itch scratching behavior via spinal GRP/GRPR system. Front Neursci 14:581977. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2020.581977
Objective: To investigate the spinal mechanisms underlying oxytocin-induced scratching behavior and its relationship with the gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP)/GRP receptor (GRPR) pathway.
Summary: Intrathecal oxytocin triggered robust, transient scratching behavior in mice via spinal oxytocin receptors expressed on GRP neurons. Ablation of GRPR⁺ neurons with Bombesin-SAP significantly reduced scratching, demonstrating that the GRP/GRPR circuit mediates oxytocin-evoked itch signaling.
Usage: Bombesin-SAP (IT-40) was administered intrathecally at 400 ng in 10 µL sterile saline to selectively ablate spinal GRPR⁺ neurons two weeks before behavioral testing.
Related Products: Bombesin-SAP (Cat. #IT-40)