Slack potassium channels in spinal dorsal horn neurons control neuropathic pain and acute itch

Abstract The sodium-activated potassium channel Slack (K Na 1.1, Kcnt1) plays a critical role in tuning neuronal excitability. Previous studies have revealed that Slack is expressed in neurons of the superficial dorsal horn of the spinal cord. However, the precise role of Slack in spinal dorsal horn neurons is unclear. In this study, we used mice in which Slack is conditionally ablated in spinal dorsal horn neurons (Lbx1-Slack −/− mice) and analyzed their behaviors in various models of pain and itch. Lbx1-Slack −/− mice exhibited increased neuropathic pain behavior after peripheral nerve injury but normal responses in a model of inflammatory pain. Unexpectedly, Lbx1-Slack −/− mice demonstrated increased scratching after intradermal injection of chloroquine, LY344864, and histamine. Moreover, neuromedin B receptors are coexpressed with Slack in the dorsal horn, and scratching after intrathecal delivery of neuromedin B was increased in Lbx1-Slack −/− mice. Our study provides in vivo evidence that Slack expressed in spinal dorsal horn neurons inhibits nerve injury–induced allodynia and acute itch induced by various pruritogens.