In Vivo Interrogation of Spinal Mechanosensory Circuits

• DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.10.010
• Publication Date: 2016-11-01T16:32:13Z
• Authors: Amelia J. Christe...; Shrivats M. Iyer; Amaury François; Saurabh Vyas; Charu Ramakrishnan; Sam Vesuna; Karl Deisseroth; Grégory Scherrer; Scott L. Delp
• Keywords: mechanosensation; Biological neural network; Interneuron

Spinal dorsal horn circuits receive, process, and transmit somatosensory information. To understand how specific components of these contribute to behavior, it is critical be able directly modulate their activity in unanesthetized vivo conditions. Here, we develop experimental tools that enable optogenetic control spinal circuitry freely moving mice using commonly available materials. We use examine mechanosensory processing the cord observe activation somatostatin-positive interneurons facilitates both itch-related while reversible chemogenetic inhibition neurons suppresses mechanosensation. These results extend recent findings regarding information indicate potential for activity-induced release somatostatin neuropeptide affect itch. The implant approach describe here likely a wide range studies elucidate underlying pain, touch, itch, movement.