The sensation of itching used to be thought of as a sort of low-grade pain response, which was detected by the same nerves responsible for finding bodily injuries. , however, has identified special neurons that detect itching and release a signalling molecule called natriuretic polypeptide B (PPB). When this peptide was suppressed in mice, they showed no signs of itching whatsoever.
But, don鈥檛 get too excited about stopping itching in humans this way. Since聽PPB is also responsible for regulating blood pressure, perhaps聽best to avoid suppressing it in humans.
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