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Peripheral and central mediators of itch
1Department of Dermatology, Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
Skin Pharmacology : the Official Journal of the Skin Pharmacology Society
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Inflammatory mediators like histamine and serotonin play key roles in causing itch. While histamine is a potent itch inducer, other substances like neuropeptides and lymphokines may also contribute to pruritus in various skin diseases.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Immunology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Itching (pruritus) is often linked to inflammatory and allergic skin conditions.
- The role of inflammatory mediators in stimulating itch receptors is a key area of research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review potential mediators involved in the pathophysiology of itch.
- To explore the involvement of both peripheral and central mechanisms in pruritus.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on mediators of itch.
- Discussion of the effects of histamine, serotonin, neuropeptides, prostaglandins, and lymphokines.
- Consideration of central nervous system mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Histamine is a potent itch inducer, but antihistamines are only effective for urticaria.
- Serotonin is a weaker itch inducer, but can synergize with prostaglandins.
- Lymphokines may be involved, as ciclosporin A (a lymphokine inhibitor) reduces itch in atopic dermatitis.
- Central mechanisms involving opioid peptides are being investigated.
Conclusions:
- Multiple mediators contribute to itch, with histamine being significant but not universally responsive to antihistamines.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise roles of neuropeptides, lymphokines, and central mechanisms in clinical pruritus.