Related Experiment Videos
Mast cells and calcium in severe uremic itching
E P Cohen1, T J Russell, J C Garancis
1Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.
The American Journal of the Medical Sciences
|June 1, 1992
Summary
Uremic itching in dialysis patients is not linked to mast cell numbers. However, ultraviolet B (UVB) therapy reduced mast cells and improved itching, with hypercalcemia correlating to severe symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Nephrology
- Histopathology
Background:
- Mast cells (MC) may contribute to uremic itching.
- Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation may inhibit mast cell degranulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate skin mast cell (MC) counts in uremic itching.
- Determine the effect of UVB on skin MC and uremic itching.
- Explore correlations between itching, MCs, and biochemical factors.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative histomorphometry of skin biopsy specimens.
- Toluidine blue staining for mast cell identification.
- Visual analog scale for itching intensity assessment.
- Analysis of plasma calcium, phosphate, and parathyrin levels.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in skin MC number between itching dialysis patients and controls.
- UVB therapy significantly decreased skin MC number (p = 0.025).
- Pre-UVB plasma calcium correlated with itching intensity, but not MC number.
- UVB therapy led to a reduction in mean itching intensity.
- Hypercalcemia, not parathyrin or phosphate, correlated with severe uremic itching.
Conclusions:
- Skin mast cell number is not directly related to uremic itching.
- Chronic UVB therapy may reduce skin mast cell counts.
- Hypercalcemia is a potential factor in severe uremic itching.