A Human Surrogate Model of Itch Utilizing the TRPA1 Agonist Trans-cinnamaldehyde

Authors

  • Chris R. Højland
  • Hjalte H. Andersen
  • Jeppe M. Poulsen
  • Lars Arendt-Nielsen
  • Parisa Gazerani

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2340/00015555-2103

Keywords:

Key words: trans-cinnamaldehyde, TRPA1, itch, hyperknesis, alloknesis, experimental model.

Abstract

The thermoreceptive transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) is important in the transmission of itch, and its agonist trans-cinnamaldehyde has occasionally been reported to be a pruritogen in humans. However, no studies have accurately quantified the capabilities of trans-cinnamaldehyde to induce itch and related dysesthetic sensations. The present study examined alterations in somatosensory and vasomotor parameters in response to topical trans-cinnamaldehyde 5% and vehicle (ethanol) in 24 healthy subjects. During the study the following parameters were recorded: itch area and intensity, hyperknesis, alloknesis, neurogenic flare, skin blood flow and temperature. Trans-cinnamaldehyde evoked moderate itch sensation, flare, hyperknesis and alloknesis (p<0.001). Blood flow and skin temperature were elevated in the area of trans-cinnamaldehyde application (p<0.001). Significant positive correlations were found between blood flow and skin temperature, itch area and blood flow, and itch area and skin temperature. Topical trans-cinnamaldehyde proved feasible as a human itch model with applicability in studying itch mechanisms or anti-pruritic drug profiling.

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Published

2015-04-14

How to Cite

Højland, C. R., Andersen, H. H., Poulsen, J. M., Arendt-Nielsen, L., & Gazerani, P. (2015). A Human Surrogate Model of Itch Utilizing the TRPA1 Agonist Trans-cinnamaldehyde. Acta Dermato-Venereologica, 95(7), 798–803. https://doi.org/10.2340/00015555-2103

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Articles