A central neural circuit for itch sensation

The circuits of itching and scratching Itch is a major clinical problem with poor treatment options. In the past few years, much progress has been made in identifying itch-selective molecules and neurons. However, we know very little about the brain circuits underlying itch processing. Mu et al. found that a subpopulation of itch-processing neurons in the spinal cord directly excite other neurons that project to a brain stem structure called the parabrachial nucleus. Inhibition of this spino-parabrachial pathway reduced itching and scratching in mice. Science , this issue p. 695