RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Cowhage-Evoked Itch Is Mediated by a Novel Cysteine Protease: A Ligand of Protease-Activated Receptors
JF The Journal of Neuroscience
JO J. Neurosci.
FD Society for Neuroscience
SP 4331
OP 4335
DO 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0716-08.2008
VO 28
IS 17
A1 Vemuri B. Reddy
A1 Aurel O. Iuga
A1 Steve G. Shimada
A1 Robert H. LaMotte
A1 Ethan A. Lerner
YR 2008
UL http://www.jneurosci.org/content/28/17/4331.abstract
AB Cowhage spicules provide an important model for histamine-independent itch. We determined that the active component of cowhage, termed mucunain, is a novel cysteine protease. We isolated mucunain and demonstrate that both native and recombinant mucunain evoke the same quality of itch in humans. We also show that mucunain is a ligand for protease-activated receptors two and four. These results support and expand the relationship between proteases, protease-activated receptors, and itch.