Basic mechanisms of itch

Pruritus (or itch) is an unpleasant sensation leading to a desire to scratch. In the epidermis, are selective C or A δ epidermal nerve endings which are pruriceptors. At their other ends, peripheral neurons form synapses with spinal neurons and interneurons. Many areas in the central nervous system are involved in itch processing. Although itch does not occur solely because of parasitic, allergic, or immunologica l diseases, it is usually the consequence of neuro-immune interactions. Histamine is involved in a minority of itchy conditions, and many other mediators play a role: cytokines (e.g., IL-4, IL-13, IL-31, IL-33, and TSLP), neurotransmitters (e.g., substance P, CGRP, VIP, neuropeptide Y, NBNP, endothe lin 1, and GRP), and neurotrophins (e.g., NGF and BDNF).
Source: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology - Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Source Type: research