Michigan Biologists Identify 1 Itch-Sensing Hair System in Mice, Pointing to Chronic Itch Target
Updated
Updated · ScienceAlert · Jul 24
Michigan Biologists Identify 1 Itch-Sensing Hair System in Mice, Pointing to Chronic Itch Target
1 articles · Updated · ScienceAlert · Jul 24
Summary
University of Michigan researchers found mice use vellus-like hairs linked to fast-conducting sensory neurons to trigger itch from light hair movement, identifying a dedicated mechanical-itch sensing system.
Experiments showed those hairs are concentrated behind the ears and on hind paws—highly exposed skin areas—and their movement activated neurons that transmitted the itch signal.
In mice with chronic skin inflammation in those regions, the neurons became highly active and the animals scratched more; disabling the genes that activate the neurons blocked the itch response.
The Neuron study suggests the pathway could help explain hair-triggered itch in humans, whose skin is broadly covered in vellus 'peach fuzz,' and offers a potential target for chronic itch treatments.