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Mouse models of acute, chemical itch and pain in humans
Author(s) -
LaMotte Robert H.,
Shimada Steven G.,
Sikand Parul
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
experimental dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.108
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1600-0625
pISSN - 0906-6705
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0625.2011.01367.x
Subject(s) - licking , scratching , biting , neuroscience , sensation , nociception , medicine , acute pain , pain sensation , hindlimb , psychology , biology , anesthesia , pharmacology , anatomy , ecology , physics , receptor , acoustics
In psychophysical experiments, humans use different verbal responses to pruritic and algesic chemical stimuli to indicate the different qualities of sensation they feel. A major challenge for behavioural models in the mouse of chemical itch and pain in humans is to devise experimental protocols that provide the opportunity for the animal to exhibit a multiplicity of responses as well. One basic criterion is that chemicals that evoke primarily itch or pain in humans should elicit different types of responses when applied in the same way to the mouse. Meeting this criterion is complicated by the fact that the type of behavioural responses exhibited by the mouse depends in part on the site of chemical application such as the nape of the neck that evokes only scratching with the hind paw versus the hind limb that elicits licking and biting. Here, we review to what extent mice behaviourally differentiate chemicals that elicit itch versus pain in humans.