Health
Scientists Discover Why We Know When to Stop Scratching an Itch
A newly identified ion channel called TRPV4 acts as the brain's internal braking system for scratching, sending a 'that's enough' signal through sensory neurons. The finding could reshape how researchers develop treatments for chronic itch conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
Key Takeaways
- Ion channel TRPV4 in sensory neurons acts as a 'stop scratching' signal to the brain
- The same protein triggers itch in skin cells but stops it in neurons — a dual role
- Mice lacking neuronal TRPV4 scratched less often but could not stop once they started
- Broadly blocking TRPV4 could worsen chronic itch rather than improve it
- Finding opens door to cell-type-specific drugs for eczema and psoriasis
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DT Editorial AI··via medicalxpress.com