PAR2, keratinocytes and cathepsin S mediate the sensory effects of ciguatoxins responsible for ciguatera poisoning

Ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) is caused by the consumption of fish contaminated with ciguatoxins (CTXs). The most distressing symptoms are cutaneous sensory disturbances, including cold dysesthesia and itch. CTXs are neurotoxins known to activate voltage-gated sodium channels (Nav) but no specific treatment exists. Peptidergic neurons have been critically involved in CFP sensory disturbances. Protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR2) is an itch- and pain- related G protein-coupled receptor whose activation leads to a calcium-dependent neuropeptide release.
Source: Journal of Investigative Dermatology - Category: Dermatology Authors: Tags: Original Article Source Type: research