@article{9c0cad11a32d470e9b0c3f1518888f46,
title = "Molecular and neural basis of contagious itch behavior in mice",
abstract = "Socially contagious itch is ubiquitous in human society, but whether it exists in rodents is unclear. Using a behavioral paradigm that does not entail prior training or reward, we found that mice scratched after observing a conspecific scratching. Molecular mapping showed increased neuronal activity in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus of mice that displayed contagious scratching. Ablation of gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) or GRPR neurons in the SCN abolished contagious scratching behavior, which was recapitulated by chemogenetic inhibition of SCN GRP neurons. Activation of SCN GRP/GRPR neurons evoked scratching behavior. These data demonstrate that GRP-GRPR signaling is necessary and sufficient for transmitting contagious itch information in the SCN. The findings may have implications for our understanding of neural circuits that control socially contagious behaviors.",
author = "Yu, {Yao Qing} and Barry, {Devin M.} and Yan Hao and Liu, {Xue Ting} and Chen, {Zhou Feng}",
note = "Funding Information: We thank J. Yin for technical support and N. Shah for discussion. AAV5-EF1a-DIO-h4MDi-mCherry virus was kindly provided as a gift from M. R. Bruchas' lab. Virus preparation was performed by M. Li of the Hope Center Viral Vectors Core at Washington University School of Medicine. The data reported in this manuscript are tabulated in the main paper and in the supplementary materials. Supported by NIH-NIDA T32 training grant 5T32DA007261-23 and the W. M. Keck Fellowship (D.M.B.) and by NIH grants 1R01AR056318-06, R21 NS088861-01A1, R01NS094344, R01 DA037261-01A1, and R56 AR064294-01A1 (Z.-F.C.). Author contributions: Y.-Q.Y., D.M.B., Y.H., and X.-T.L. participated in experimental design, performed tests, and analyzed the data; Z.-F.C. conceived and supervised the project; Z.-F.C. wrote the manuscript; and D.M.B. and Y.-Q.Y. contributed to the writing. Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} 2017, American Association for the Advancement of Science. All rights reserved.",
year = "2017",
month = mar,
day = "10",
doi = "10.1126/science.aak9748",
language = "English",
volume = "355",
pages = "1072--1076",
journal = "Science",
issn = "0036-8075",
number = "6329",
}