Pruritus

Question 1

Where is pruritus (itch) processed?

Answer 1

Prefrontal cortex
Premotor areas
Primary somatosensory cortex
Anterior cingulated cortex
+Itch specific nerve pathways have been demonstrated in both the peripheral and central nervous system

Question 2

Which mediators predominantly sensitize Pruriceptors and witch are involved equally in Nociceptors and Pruriceptors?

Answer 2

-Pruriceptors: Substance P, Histamine, IL-31

-Pruriceptors and Nociceptors: Endothelin, Nerve growth factor, Acetylcholine, Tryptase.

Question 3

Which mediators activate canine dorsal root ganglia neurons, signaling pruritus?

Answer 3

Interleukin-31, serotonin, histamine

Question 4

Which pruritogenic neuropeptide is demonstrated to express in canine dorsal root ganglia neurons?

Answer 4

Somatostatin. It releases from dog dorsal root ganglia neurons in response to several endogenous itch mediators.

Question 5

How does pH of the skin influence the perception of pruritus?

Answer 5

Alkaline pH enhances serine protease activity. Antibacterial shampoos often have a high pH and may aggravate pruritus.