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Mechanisms of Itch Evoked by β-alanine

Mechanisms of Itch Evoked by β-alanine

Qin Liu, Parul Sikand, Chao Ma, Zongxiang Tang, Liang Han, Zhe Li, Shuohao Sun, Robert H LaMotte, Xinzhong Dong

J Neurosci. 2012 Oct 17;32(42):14532-7.

PMID: 23077038

Abstract:

β-Alanine, a popular supplement for muscle building, induces itch and tingling after consumption, but the underlying molecular and neural mechanisms are obscure. Here we show that, in mice, β-alanine elicited itch-associated behavior that requires MrgprD, a G-protein-coupled receptor expressed by a subpopulation of primary sensory neurons. These neurons exclusively innervate the skin, respond to β-alanine, heat, and mechanical noxious stimuli but do not respond to histamine. In humans, intradermally injected β-alanine induced itch but neither wheal nor flare, suggesting that the itch was not mediated by histamine. Thus, the primary sensory neurons responsive to β-alanine are likely part of a histamine-independent itch neural circuit and a target for treating clinical itch that is unrelieved by anti-histamines.

Chemicals Related in the Paper:

Catalog Number	Product Name	Structure	CAS Number	Price
AP107959-A	β-Alanine		107-95-9	Price

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