Why
do we itch? Like pain and heat, itching sensations are transmitted by a
class of nerve cells known as TRPV1-expressing neurons. If you engineer
a mouse without these neurons, the mouse feels no pain, no heat and no
itching. Research published last month suggests that there are a
specific subset of TRPV1-expressing neurons that are exclusively
responsible for itching. They produce a molecule called
neuropeptide natriuretic polypeptide b (Nppb). All sensations require a
neurotransmitter to "leap the gap" to adjacent nerve cells, and Nppb
seems to perform that function for all itching sensations.
More information on the itching study: http://1.usa.gov/1cZ1M8c
More information on the itching study: http://1.usa.gov/1cZ1M8c
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