Washington D.C., April 8 -- : Periostin, a commonly expressed protein in skin, can directly activate itch-connected neurons in the skin, according to the researchers from North Carolina State University.
From the study, the researchers found that blocking periostin receptors on these neurons reduced the itch response in a mouse model of atopic dermatitis or eczema.
Itch sensations are transmitted from neuronal projections in the skin through the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) -- which are clusters of sensory cells located at the root of the spinal nerves -- then to the spinal cord.
The study was appeared in Cell Reports and was funded by NC State's startup fund.
Santosh Mishra, assistant professor of neuroscience at NC State and lead author ...