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Mast cell mediators other than histamine induce pruritus in atopic dermatitis patients: a dermal microdialysis study
Author(s) -
Rukwied R.,
Lischetzki G.,
Mcglone F.,
Heyer G.,
Schmelz M.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
british journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.304
H-Index - 179
eISSN - 1365-2133
pISSN - 0007-0963
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2133.2000.03535.x
Subject(s) - extravasation , cetirizine , histamine , mast cell , medicine , microdialysis , blockade , histamine h1 receptor , intradermal injection , immunology , pharmacology , receptor , central nervous system , antagonist
While histamine is the crucial mediator of pruritus in type 1 allergic reactions, its role in atopic dermatitis (AD) is unclear. In this study, the role of mast cell mediators in protein extravasation and pruritus was evaluated using intradermal microdialysis. The microdialysis capillaries were used to apply the mast cell degranulating substance compound 48/80 (C48/80; 0·05%) or histamine (0·01%) and also to deliver H1‐blockers (cetirizine, 200 μg mL −1 ) in nine AD patients and nine controls. Large pore size membranes (3000 kDa) enabled simultaneous analysis of protein extravasation. Itch sensation was measured psychophysically and weal and flare reaction were evaluated planimetrically. Protein extravasation induced by histamine and C48/80 was significantly reduced in AD patients. Blockade of H1‐receptors by cetirizine significantly reduced C48/80‐induced protein extravasation in AD patients and controls to an identical level. C48/80‐induced pruritus was abolished by cetirizine in controls, whereas pruritus in AD patients was unchanged after H1 blockade. We conclude that mast cell mediators others than histamine are involved in C48/80‐induced pruritus in AD patients. Whether the reduced capacity of AD patients to induce protein extravasation is of pathophysiological relevance for pruritus remains to be established.