Analysis of cellular and behavioral responses to imiquimod reveals a unique itch pathway in transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1)-expressing neurons.

ABSTRACT: Despite its clinical importance, the mechanisms that mediate or generate itch are poorly defined. The identification of pruritic compounds offers insight into understanding the molecular and cellular basis of itch. Imiquimod (IQ) is an agonist of Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) used to treat various infectious skin diseases such as genital warts, keratosis, and basal cell carcinoma. Itch is reportedly one of the major side effects developed during IQ treatments. We found that IQ acts as a potent itch-evoking compound (pruritogen) in mice via direct excitation of sensory neurons. Combined studies of scratching behavior, patch-clamp recording, and Ca(2+) response revealed the existence of a unique intracellular mechanism, which is independent of TLR7 as well as different from the mechanisms expl

SUBMITTER: Kim SJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3044410 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature