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Science/Tech See other Science/Tech Articles Title: U.S. researchers find molecule behind sensation of itch WASHINGTON, May 23 (Xinhua) -- U.S. researchers reported Thursday the discovery of a key molecule responsible for triggering the sensation of itch in our brain but warned that the molecule may not be a good drug target since it's involved in many body functions. Researchers at the U.S. National Institutes of Health said that there will be no itch if the molecule, a small neuropeptide called natriuretic polypeptide b, or Nppb, is taken away, but injecting it in the right place, the itch will come back. The findings, according to the researchers, show that Nppb is an essential link between the skin receptor cells that sense itching and the nerve cells that send the perception of itch to the brain. The research was conducted in mouse models but since nervous systems of mice and humans are similar, the researchers believe a comparable biocircuit for itch likely is present in people. The study, published on-line in the journal Science, helps to solve a lingering scientific issue, they said. "Our work shows that itch, once thought to be a low-level form of pain, is a distinct sensation that is uniquely hardwired into the nervous system with the biochemical equivalent of its own dedicated land line to the brain," said Mark Hoon, an author at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, part of the National Institutes of Health. Using genetic tools, Hoon and colleagues generated mice lacking the Nppb molecule. The Nppb-deficient mice were impervious to any chemicals or actions that caused scratching, a key indicator of itch, in control animals. The research team then injected Nppb into the animals, which triggered subsequent bouts of scratching. Taking a closer look, the researchers found that when the itch sensation arises in the skin through receptor cells, the Nppb molecule is released, firing off a signal that allows the itch sensation to arrive in the brain. Now that Nppb has been identified, researchers might be able to find other neuropeptides in the circuit of itch responses, which could lead to more specific treatments for chronic itching diseases like eczema or psoriasis. Nppb itself, however, may not be a good drug target. According to the researchers, Nppb is used in the heart, kidneys, and other parts of the body, so attempts to control the molecule has the potential to cause unwanted side effects. "Now the challenge is to find similar biocircuitry in people, evaluate what's there, and identify unique molecules that can be targeted to turn off chronic itch without causing unwanted side effects," said Hoon in a press release. "So, this is a start, not a finish." Post Comment Private Reply Ignore Thread
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