WASHINGTON (AP) - If you've got an itch to scratch, then this may interest you: Scientists have pinpointed a key group of cells that sends "itch-alerts" to the brain.
When researchers knocked out those cells in lab mice, doing so relieved their itchiness without affecting their ability to sense pain.
The work opens a possible new avenue for creating better treatments for people who suffer from chronic itching and who scratch themselves raw.
The problem in the past has been that pain and itch were difficult to separate. Previous research found various nerve pathways that seem involved in both.
The new research is the first to identify itch-specific cells in the spinal cord.
The research at Washington University in St. Louis is reported in the journal Science.
Web Search powered by YAHOO!
|
LifestylesLifestyles
Researchers identify cells that say 'scratch me'
WASHINGTON (AP) - If you've got an itch to scratch, then this may interest you: Scientists have pinpointed a key group of cells that sends "itch-alerts" to the brain.
By:
|
WNCT
Published: August 07, 2009
Published: August 07, 2009
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
MoreAdvertisement
View More:
Chronic Itching,
Health_Medical_Pharma,
Itchiness,
Pain,
Washington,
Washington University,
Washington University In St. Louis
Not what you're looking for? Try our quick search:
Reader Comments
*Facebook Account Required to Comment. If you are not already logged into Facebook, please click the comment button to do so.Deal of the Day
Advertisement
Interactive Radar
Advertisement
Featured Blogger
Reel Reviews
Updated: 02/10/2012
Nine On Your Side's Phillip Sayblack shares his take on the latest movie and dvd releases.
More Posts by Reel Reviews
Hot Topics on WNCT.com
Advertisement
Advertisement