title: Inhibitory effect of azelastine on allergic itch-associated response in mice sensitized with mosquito salivary glands extract.
abstract: We examined whether azelastine would inhibit itch-associated responses of mice to mosquito allergy. Repeated injections of mosquito salivary gland extract increased scratching and sensory nerve activity. Azelastine inhibited the increased scratching and nerve activity, while terfenadine was without effects. Dexamethasone did not affect the increased scratching. Azelastine suppressed high K(+)-induced increase in intracellular free Ca(2+) in primary cultures of mouse sensory neurons. Direct inhibition by azelastine of sensory neurons may be at least involved in the anti-pruritic effect of azelastine. Histamine, substance P, and leukotriene B(4) may not play a key role in the itching of mosquito allergy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Applied Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Toyama, Japan.
authors.forename: Eiji
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ohtsuka
authors.forename: Sanae
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kawai
authors.forename: Hiroshi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Nojima
authors.forename: Tsugunobu
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Andoh
authors.forename: Kiyoshi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kamimura
authors.forename: Yasushi
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Kuraishi
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000982:Antipruritics / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D009033:Culicidae; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007271:Injections, Intradermal; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008813:Mice, Inbred ICR; D009475:Neurons, Afferent / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D010793:Phthalazines / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011537:Pruritus / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012469:Salivary Glands / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology; D012867:Skin / Q000294:innervation; D013997:Time Factors; D014020:Tissue Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents; D000982:Antipruritics; D010793:Phthalazines; D014020:Tissue Extracts; D002118:Calcium; C020976:azelastine