title: Galanin-expression and galanin-dependent sensory neurons are not required for itch.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Galanin is a key modulator of nociception, and it is also required for the developmental survival of a subset of C-fibre sensory neurons which are critical to the mediation of neuropathic and inflammatory pain. However, the potential modulatory roles played by galanin, or the galanin-dependent neurons, in pruritoceptive mechanisms underlying the sensation of itch have not been investigated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Here we report that mice carrying a loss-of-function mutation in the galanin gene (Gal-KO) show no differences in spontaneous behavioural itch responses compared to wild-type (WT) controls. Similarly, the responses to a range of pruritogens are not significantly different between the two genotypes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results suggest that neither galanin expression, nor the galanin-dependent subpopulation of sensory neurons is required for itch-related behaviours.
authors.affiliation: Schools of Physiology and Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TD, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Fiona E
authors.initials: FE
authors.lastname: Holmes
authors.forename: Penny
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Vanderplank
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Wynick
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D019004:Galanin / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D010146:Pain / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D011537:Pruritus / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D011984:Sensory Receptor Cells / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D019004:Galanin