The cell biology of acute itch.
Itch, the irritation we feel and the relief that comes from scratching, is an evolutionary warning system and defense against harmful environmental agents. Although once considered a subtype of pain, itch is now recognized as a unique sense, with its own distinct physiology and cell receptors. Here, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of itch and the molecular players that mediate this sensory modality.
The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Center for Sensory Biology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 xdong2@jhmi.edu dgreen89@jhmi.edu.
Dustin
D
Green
The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Center for Sensory Biology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 xdong2@jhmi.edu dgreen89@jhmi.edu.
Xinzhong
X
Dong
D006801:Humans; D015603:Keratinocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D008954:Models, Biological; D011537:Pruritus / Q000473:pathology*; D011968:Receptors, Histamine / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction
D011968:Receptors, Histamine