Itch and pain.
The discovery of a specialized neuronal pathway for itch has markedly improved our understanding of itch processing under physiological conditions. However, the complex interactions of pain and itch are only partly understood. This review focuses on the neurophysiological mechanisms involved in clinical and experimental itch conditions. There is emerging evidence that similar patterns of peripheral and central sensitization occur in chronic pain and chronic itch conditions. It will be of major interest to reveal whether the underlying mechanism for sensitization in the itch and pain pathways are also similar, as this might have major implications for therapy.
Schmelz
Martin
M
Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Medicine Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany. martin.schmelz@anaes.ma.uni-heidelberg.de
D006801:Humans; D009420:Nervous System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009434:Neural Pathways / Q000502:physiology; D009619:Nociceptors / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010146:Pain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011537:Pruritus / Q000503:physiopathology*