title: [Diverse mechanisms of itch].
abstract: Itch is known to be a sensation that provokes a desire to scratch. It is a bio-warning sensation, which serves to detect and remove parasites and irritants in the superficial layers of the skin and the mucous membrane. The mechanisms of itch are not simple. It is mediated by mast cells and keratinocytes, which each produce and release a few itch mediators. Alterations in the distribution of primary afferent fibers in the epidermis are also involved in itch. Agents that have a wide spectrum of inhibitory action on mast cells, keratinocytes and primary afferents may be needed to effectively suppress itch.
authors.affiliation: Department of Applied Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences and 21st Century COE Program, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, 930-0194 Japan. kuraisiy@ms.toyama-mpu.ac.jp
authors.forename: Yasushi
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Kuraishi
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000503:physiopathology; D007057:Ichthyosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D015603:Keratinocytes / Q000502:physiology; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000502:physiology; D011537:Pruritus / Q000503:physiopathology*