The peripheral and central mechanisms underlying itch

Jae Seung Lee, Jasmin Sanghyun Han, Kyeongho Lee, Juwon Bang, Hyosang Lee

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

28 Scopus citations

Abstract

Itch is one of the most distressing sensations that substantially impair quality of life. It is a cardinal symptom of many skin diseases and is also caused by a variety of systemic disorders. Unfortunately, currently available itch medications are ineffective in many chronic itch conditions, and they often cause undesirable side effects. To develop novel therapeutic strategies, it is essential to identify primary afferent neurons that selectively respond to itch mediators as well as the central nervous system components that process the sensation of itch and initiate behavioral responses. This review summarizes recent progress in the study of itch, focusing on itch-selective receptors, signaling molecules, neuronal pathways from the primary sensory neurons to the brain, and potential decoding mechanisms based on which itch is distinguished from pain.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)474-487
Number of pages14
JournalBMB Reports
Volume49
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - 2016

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2016 by the The Korean Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Keywords

  • BAM8-22
  • Chloroquine
  • Cowhage
  • Endothelin
  • Histamine
  • Itch
  • MrgprA3
  • MrgprC11
  • Primary afferents
  • Primary sensory neurons
  • Protease-activated receptor
  • Pruritogen
  • Pruritus

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