S-777469, a novel cannabinoid type 2 receptor agonist, suppresses itch-associated scratching behavior in rodents through inhibition of itch signal transmission

We have previously reported that S-777469 [1-([6-ethyl-1-(4-fluorobenzyl)-5-methyl-2-oxo-1,2-dihydropyridine-3-carbonyl]amino)-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid], a novel cannabinoid type 2 receptor (CB2) agonist, significantly suppressed compound 48/80-induced scratching behavior in mice in a dose-dependent manner when it was administered orally. Here, we demonstrated that the inhibitory effects of S-777469 on compound 48/80-induced scratching behavior are reversed by pretreatment with SR144528, a CB2-selective antagonist. In addition, we investigated the effects of S-777469 on itch-associated scratching behavior induced by several pruritogenic agents in mice and rats. S-777469 significantly suppressed scratching behavior induced by histamine or substance P in mice or by serotonin in rats. In contrast, the H1-antihistamine fexofenadine clearly inhibited histamine-induced scratching behavior but did not affect scratching behavior induced by substance P or serotonin. Moreover, S-777469 significantly inhibited histamine-induced peripheral nerve firing in mice. In conclusion, these results suggest that S-777469 produces its antipruritic effects by inhibiting itch signal transmission through CB2 agonism.