Peripheral endomorphins drive mechanical alloknesis under the enzymatic control of CD26/DPPIV

Background Mechanical alloknesis (or innocuous mechanical stimuli–evoked itch) often occurs in dry skin–based disorders such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying mechanical alloknesis remain unclear. We recently reported the involvement of CD26 in the regulation of psoriatic itch. This molecule exhibits dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV) enzyme activity and exerts its biologic effects by processing various substances, including neuropeptides. Objective The aim of the present study was to investigate the peripheral mechanisms of mechanical alloknesis by using CD26/DPPIV knockout (CD26KO) mice. Methods We applied innocuous mechanical stimuli to CD26KO or wild-type mice. The total number of scratching responses was counted as the alloknesis score. Immunohistochemical and behavioral pharmacologic analyses were then performed to examine the physiologic activities of CD26/DPPIV or endomorphins (EMs), endogenous agonists of μ-opioid receptors. Results Mechanical alloknesis was more frequent in CD26KO mice than in wild-type mice. The alloknesis score in CD26KO mice was significantly reduced by the intradermal administration of recombinant DPPIV or naloxone methiodide, a peripheral μ-opioid receptor antagonist, but not by that of mutant DPPIV without enzyme activity. EMs (EM-1 and EM-2), selective ligands for μ-opioid receptors, are substrates for DPPIV. Immunohistochemically, EMs were located in keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and peripheral sensory nerves. Behavioral analyses revealed that EMs preferentially provoked mechanical alloknesis over chemical itch. DPPIV-digested forms of EMs did not induce mechanical alloknesis. Conclusion The present results suggest that EMs induce mechanical alloknesis at the periphery under the enzymatic control of CD26/DPPIV.