Inhibitory effect of the repeated treatment with Unsei-in on substance P-induced itch-associated responses through the downregulation of the expression of NK(1) tachykinin receptor in mice.

Abstract

Unsei-in, a traditional medicine, is prescribed against pruritic cutaneous diseases, but the mechanisms of antipruritic action are still unknown. In the present study, we examined the antipruritic effects of Unsei-in in mice. Single administration of Unsei-in did not inhibit substance P-induced itch-associated response (scratching) in mice. However, repeated treatment with Unsei-in for 7 d significantly inhibited substance P-induced scratching. The same repeated treatment with Unsei-in suppressed the expression of NK(1) tachykinin receptors in the skin. These results suggest that Unsei-in inhibits substance P-associated itching and that the inhibition is at least partly due to the suppression of the expression of NK(1) tachykinin receptors in the skin.

• Authors: Tsugunobu Andoh, Yusuke Honma, Soichi Kawaharada, Ali Al-Akeel, Hiroshi Nojima, Yasushi Kuraishi
• Journal: Biological & pharmaceutical bulletin (Biol Pharm Bull) Vol. 26 Issue 6 Pg. 896-8 (Jun 2003) ISSN: 0918-6158 [Print] Japan
• PMID: 12808309 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antipruritics
• Drugs, Chinese Herbal
• Receptors, Neurokinin-1
• unsei in
• Substance P

Topics

• Administration, Oral
• Animals
• Antipruritics (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Disease Models, Animal
• Down-Regulation
• Drugs, Chinese Herbal (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Injections, Intradermal
• Male
• Mice
• Mice, Inbred ICR
• Pruritus (chemically induced, drug therapy, metabolism)
• Receptors, Neurokinin-1 (biosynthesis)
• Skin (drug effects, metabolism)
• Substance P (toxicity)