Itch: Role of Prostaglandins

Pruritic dermatoses: overview of etiology and therapy

“…12,13 Proteinases and Kinins These substances have also been proposed as mediators of itch. The injection of trypsin or chymotrypsin produces intense itch associated with the triple response of Lewis, an effect that is inhibited by antihistamines, suggesting that histamine is the primary mediator.…”

Anaesthesia for daycase gynaecological laparoscopy: a survey of clinical practice in the United Kingdom

“…recovery characteristics to those of propofol only when ondansetron was co-administered [10], which then limits treatment options if PONV does occur. The exclusion of nitrous oxide would appear to be unnecessary [11][12][13]. It is apparent from our survey that inhalational agents are perceived to be easier to deliver than propofol by infusion.…”

“…cathepsins) [8][9][10]. It has also been suggested that prostaglandins (PGE 1 Forum Anaesthesia, 1999, 54, pages 51-85 ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ and PGE 2 ) are involved in the aetiology of pruritus, by enhancing C-fibre transmission to the central nervous system and releasing histamine [10][11][12][13].…”

“…Prostaglandins are also known to release histamine and to potentiate the pruritus induced by histamine [11][12][13]. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have a well-recognised role in the relief of postoperative pain [14][15][16].…”

Pathophysiology of itching in urticaria and atopic dermatitis

“…Kallikrein and papain, however, elicit a burning itch without the release of histamine from dermal mast cells (32,33). Prostaglandins (34)(35)(36)(37) and endorphins (38,39) induce no or only weak itching on their own, but potentiate histamine-induced itching, i.e. they may act as peripheral modulators of itching.…”