The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Center for Sensory Biology.
Annu Rev Biophys. 2014;43:331-55. doi: 10.1146/annurev-biophys-051013-022826.
The itch-scratch reflex serves as a protective mechanism in everyday life. However, chronic persistent itching can be devastating. Despite the clinical importance of the itch sensation, its mechanism remains elusive. In the past decade, substantial progress has been made to uncover the mystery of itching. Here, we review the molecules, cells, and circuits known to mediate the itch sensation, which, coupled with advances in understanding the pathophysiology of chronic itching conditions, will hopefully contribute to the development of new anti-itch therapies.
抓挠反射在日常生活中起着保护机制的作用。然而,慢性持续性瘙痒可能是毁灭性的。尽管瘙痒感觉具有临床重要性,但它的机制仍然难以捉摸。在过去的十年中,人们在揭示瘙痒之谜方面取得了重大进展。在这里,我们回顾了已知介导瘙痒感觉的分子、细胞和回路,这些进展加上对慢性瘙痒症发病机制的理解的提高,有望有助于开发新的止痒疗法。