Research Description:

To protect the integrity of an organism a somatosensory system has evolved to respond to noxious stimuli. A critical component of this system is the neurons in the spinal cord which receive information from the periphery, integrate, and then distribute that information to supraspinal sites. Our research describes the function and hodology of these cells. Recently, we have discovered cells in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord in nonhuman primates that become activated by itch producing agents and project to the thalamus. Given the stimulus response pattern and terminal location of these cells we believe they might be involved in the perception of itch.

Selected Publications and Presentations:

S Davidson, X Zhang, CH Yoon, SG Khasabov, DA Simone, GJ Giesler Jr (2007) The itch-producing agents histamine and cowhage activate separate populations of primate spinothalamic tract neurons. J Neurosci 27:10007-14.

S Davidson, X Zhang, SG Khasabov, DA Simone, GJ Giesler Jr. (2007).
Responses of monkey spinothalamic tract neurons to itch-producing and itch-inhibiting stimuli. Acta Dermato-venereologica 87:475.

Zhang X, Davidson S, Giesler GJ Jr (2006) Thermally identified subgroups of marginal zone neurons project to distinct regions of the ventral posterior lateral nucleus in rats. J Neurosci 26(19):5215-5223.

S. Davidson, X. Zhang, S.G. Khasabov, D.A. Simone, G.J. Giesler.
CHARACTERIZATION OF PRURICEPTIVE SPINOTHALAMIC TRACT NEURONS IN THE MONKEY Program No. 171.20. 2005 Abstract Viewer/Itinerary Planner. Washington, DC: Society for Neuroscience, 2005. Online.

Honors and Awards: