Sensitivity of human scalp skin to pruritic stimuli investigated by intradermal microdialysis in vivo - 01/09/11
Abstract |
Background: Although pruritus is common in scalp skin, the forearm has been the main site for investigation in previous experimental studies. Objective: Our purpose was to compare the sensitivity to pruritic stimuli in human scalp and forearm skin. Methods: Four microdialysis fibers were inserted intradermally into scalp (n = 10) or forearm skin (n = 10) of healthy male subjects and were perfused with histamine (0.01%) or compound 48/80 (C48/80; 0.05%) for 20 minutes. Total protein content in the dialysate was assessed at 10-minute intervals. Intensity of itching and pain sensation were measured psychophysically. Results: Histamine- and C48/80-induced protein extravasation was significantly lower in scalp skin. Histamine and C48/80 invariably provoked an itching sensation in the forearm but only in 4 of 10 applications in the scalp. Conclusion: Despite the high prevalence of pruritus, scalp skin is less sensitive to histamine-induced experimental itching. A lower innervation density of pruritic nociceptors and/or different central processing of itching might account for this difference. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2002;47:245-50.)
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Funding sources: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (SFB 353), Unilever Research. |
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Conflict of interest: None. |
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Reprint requests: Martin Schmelz, MD, Department of Physiology and Experimental Pathophysiology, University of Erlangen/Nürnberg, D-91054 Erlangen, Universitätsstr 17, Germany. E-mail: schmelz@physiologie1.uni-erlangen.de. |
Vol 47 - N° 2
P. 245-250 - août 2002 Retour au numéroBienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
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