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Cheek Injection Model for Simultaneous Measurement of Pain and Itch-related Behaviors
Published on: September 27, 2019
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Serotonin and noradrenaline modulate chronic itch processing in mice
Yu Miyahara1, Hideki Funahashi1, Rumi Naono-Nakayama2
1Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, 5200 Kihara, Kiyotake, Miyazaki city, Miyazaki, 889-1692, Japan.
European Journal of Pharmacology
|July 4, 2020
Summary
Serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors, like milnacipran, reduce chronic itch by affecting serotonin and noradrenaline levels. These neurotransmitters and specific receptors are key in managing chronic pruriceptive processing.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Dermatology
Background:
- The precise roles of serotonin and noradrenaline in chronic itch are not fully understood.
- Investigating these neurotransmitters may reveal new therapeutic targets for chronic pruritus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the contribution of serotonin and noradrenaline to chronic itch modulation.
- To evaluate the efficacy of antidepressants and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors in managing chronic itch.
Main Methods:
- Administration of various antidepressants and reuptake inhibitors in mice models of chronic itch.
- Assessment of spontaneous scratching behavior as a measure of itch intensity.
- Reversal studies using selective antagonists for α2-adrenoceptors and serotonin receptors.
Main Results:
- Milnacipran and mirtazapine significantly attenuated chronic itch-induced scratching behavior.
- Specific serotonin reuptake inhibitors (fluvoxamine, paroxetine) and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (atomoxetine, nisoxetine) ameliorated scratching.
- The itch-attenuating effects were reversed by yohimbine (α2-adrenoceptor antagonist) and methysergide (serotonin receptor antagonist).
Conclusions:
- Elevated serotonin and noradrenaline levels appear to attenuate chronic itch.
- Serotonin receptors and α2-adrenoceptors are critical components in the processing of chronic pruritus.
