articleJournal of NeuroscienceJul 16, 2003BRONZE OA

Proteinase-Activated Receptor-2 Mediates Itch: A Novel Pathway for Pruritus in Human Skin

University of Ulster · Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg · +6 more institutions

PubMed
Indexed incrossrefpubmed

Abstract

We examined whether neuronal proteinase-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2) may be involved in pruritus of human skin. The endogenous PAR-2 agonist tryptase was increased up to fourfold in atopic dermatitis (AD) patients. PAR-2 was markedly enhanced on primary afferent nerve fibers in skin biopsies of AD patients. Intracutaneous injection of endogenous PAR-2 agonists provoked enhanced and prolonged itch when applied intralesionally. Moreover, itch upon mast cell degranulation was abolished by local antihistamines in controls but prevailed in AD patients. Thus, we identified enhanced PAR-2 signaling as a new link between inflammatory and sensory phenomena in AD patients. PAR-2 therefore represents a promising…

Citation impact

641
total citations
FWCI
20.84
Percentile
100%
References
41
Citations per year

Authors

8

Topics & keywords

Keywords
  • Degranulation
  • Tryptase
  • Endogeny
  • Medicine
  • Atopic dermatitis
  • Receptor
  • Neurogenic inflammation
  • Mast cell
UN Sustainable Development Goals
  • Good health and well-being
No related works found for this paper.

Funding