Target type: biologicalprocess
A sensory perception which causes the desire or reflex to scratch. [PMID:26015312, PMID:29723501, PMID:30734045, Wikipedia:Itch]
Sensory perception of itch is a complex process that involves the activation of specialized sensory neurons in the skin called itch receptors. These receptors respond to a variety of stimuli, including histamine, proteases, and certain chemicals released by damaged tissues. When these stimuli activate the itch receptors, they send signals to the spinal cord and then to the brain. In the brain, these signals are processed by a network of neurons that are involved in the perception of itch. The sensation of itch is then experienced as a desire to scratch.
There are several different types of itch receptors, each of which is sensitive to a different type of stimulus. For example, some itch receptors are activated by histamine, which is released by mast cells in response to injury or inflammation. Other itch receptors are activated by proteases, which are enzymes that break down proteins. Still other itch receptors are activated by chemicals released by damaged tissues.
Once an itch receptor is activated, it sends a signal to the spinal cord. The signal travels up the spinal cord and then to the brain. In the brain, the signal is processed by a network of neurons that are involved in the perception of itch. The sensation of itch is then experienced as a desire to scratch.
The intensity of the itch sensation can vary depending on the type of stimulus that activated the itch receptors, the number of receptors that were activated, and the individual's sensitivity to itch. For example, a mild itch may be caused by a small amount of histamine, while a severe itch may be caused by a large amount of histamine or by the activation of multiple itch receptors.
The desire to scratch is a reflex response that is triggered by the itch sensation. Scratching can help to relieve the itch by removing the stimulus that is activating the itch receptors. However, scratching can also damage the skin and make the itch worse.
Itch is a common symptom of many skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, and allergic reactions. It can also be a symptom of some systemic diseases, such as diabetes and kidney disease.
If you are experiencing persistent itch, it is important to see a doctor to determine the underlying cause. Treatment for itch will depend on the cause of the itch. For example, if the itch is caused by a skin condition, treatment may include topical corticosteroids or antihistamines. If the itch is caused by a systemic disease, treatment will focus on managing the underlying disease."
| Protein | Definition | Taxonomy |
|---|---|---|
| Sodium channel protein type 11 subunit alpha | A sodium channel protein type 11 subunit alpha that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:WCB, UniProtKB:Q9UI33] | Homo sapiens (human) |
| Compound | Definition | Classes | Roles |
|---|---|---|---|
| amiodarone | amiodarone : A member of the class of 1-benzofurans that is 1-benzofuran substituted by a butyl group at position 2 and a 4-[2-(diethylamino)ethoxy]-3,5-diiodobenzoyl group at position 3. It is a cardiovascular drug used for the treatment of cardiac dysrhythmias. Amiodarone: An antianginal and class III antiarrhythmic drug. It increases the duration of ventricular and atrial muscle action by inhibiting POTASSIUM CHANNELS and VOLTAGE-GATED SODIUM CHANNELS. There is a resulting decrease in heart rate and in vascular resistance. | 1-benzofurans; aromatic ketone; organoiodine compound; tertiary amino compound | cardiovascular drug |
| amitriptyline | amitriptyline : An organic tricyclic compound that is 10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d][7]annulene substituted by a 3-(dimethylamino)propylidene group at position 5. Amitriptyline: Tricyclic antidepressant with anticholinergic and sedative properties. It appears to prevent the re-uptake of norepinephrine and serotonin at nerve terminals, thus potentiating the action of these neurotransmitters. Amitriptyline also appears to antagonize cholinergic and alpha-1 adrenergic responses to bioactive amines. | carbotricyclic compound; tertiary amine | adrenergic uptake inhibitor; antidepressant; environmental contaminant; tropomyosin-related kinase B receptor agonist; xenobiotic |
| chlorpromazine | chlorpromazine : A substituted phenothiazine in which the ring nitrogen at position 10 is attached to C-3 of an N,N-dimethylpropanamine moiety. Chlorpromazine: The prototypical phenothiazine antipsychotic drug. Like the other drugs in this class chlorpromazine's antipsychotic actions are thought to be due to long-term adaptation by the brain to blocking DOPAMINE RECEPTORS. Chlorpromazine has several other actions and therapeutic uses, including as an antiemetic and in the treatment of intractable hiccup. | organochlorine compound; phenothiazines; tertiary amine | anticoronaviral agent; antiemetic; dopaminergic antagonist; EC 3.4.21.26 (prolyl oligopeptidase) inhibitor; phenothiazine antipsychotic drug |
| cifenline | diarylmethane | ||
| haloperidol | haloperidol : A compound composed of a central piperidine structure with hydroxy and p-chlorophenyl substituents at position 4 and an N-linked p-fluorobutyrophenone moiety. Haloperidol: A phenyl-piperidinyl-butyrophenone that is used primarily to treat SCHIZOPHRENIA and other PSYCHOSES. It is also used in schizoaffective disorder, DELUSIONAL DISORDERS, ballism, and TOURETTE SYNDROME (a drug of choice) and occasionally as adjunctive therapy in INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY and the chorea of HUNTINGTON DISEASE. It is a potent antiemetic and is used in the treatment of intractable HICCUPS. (From AMA Drug Evaluations Annual, 1994, p279) | aromatic ketone; hydroxypiperidine; monochlorobenzenes; organofluorine compound; tertiary alcohol | antidyskinesia agent; antiemetic; dopaminergic antagonist; first generation antipsychotic; serotonergic antagonist |
| imipramine | imipramine : A dibenzoazepine that is 5H-dibenzo[b,f]azepine substituted by a 3-(dimethylamino)propyl group at the nitrogen atom. Imipramine: The prototypical tricyclic antidepressant. It has been used in major depression, dysthymia, bipolar depression, attention-deficit disorders, agoraphobia, and panic disorders. It has less sedative effect than some other members of this therapeutic group. | dibenzoazepine | adrenergic uptake inhibitor; antidepressant; EC 3.4.21.26 (prolyl oligopeptidase) inhibitor |
| mexiletine | mexiletine : An aromatic ether which is 2,6-dimethylphenyl ether of 2-aminopropan-1-ol. Mexiletine: Antiarrhythmic agent pharmacologically similar to LIDOCAINE. It may have some anticonvulsant properties. | aromatic ether; primary amino compound | anti-arrhythmia drug |
| nifedipine | Nifedipine: A potent vasodilator agent with calcium antagonistic action. It is a useful anti-anginal agent that also lowers blood pressure. | C-nitro compound; dihydropyridine; methyl ester | calcium channel blocker; human metabolite; tocolytic agent; vasodilator agent |
| nitrendipine | nitrendipine : A dihydropyridine that is 1,4-dihydropyridine substituted by methyl groups at positions 2 and 6, a 3-nitrophenyl group at position 4, a ethoxycarbonyl group at position 3 and a methoxycarbonyl group at position 5. It is a calcium-channel blocker used in the treatment of hypertension. Nitrendipine: A calcium channel blocker with marked vasodilator action. It is an effective antihypertensive agent and differs from other calcium channel blockers in that it does not reduce glomerular filtration rate and is mildly natriuretic, rather than sodium retentive. | C-nitro compound; dicarboxylic acids and O-substituted derivatives; diester; dihydropyridine; ethyl ester; methyl ester | antihypertensive agent; calcium channel blocker; geroprotector; vasodilator agent |
| pimozide | pimozide : A member of the class of benzimidazoles that is 1,3-dihydro-2H-benzimidazol-2-one in which one of the nitrogens is substituted by a piperidin-4-yl group, which in turn is substituted on the nitrogen by a 4,4-bis(p-fluorophenyl)butyl group. Pimozide: A diphenylbutylpiperidine that is effective as an antipsychotic agent and as an alternative to HALOPERIDOL for the suppression of vocal and motor tics in patients with Tourette syndrome. Although the precise mechanism of action is unknown, blockade of postsynaptic dopamine receptors has been postulated. (From AMA Drug Evaluations Annual, 1994, p403) | benzimidazoles; heteroarylpiperidine; organofluorine compound | antidyskinesia agent; dopaminergic antagonist; first generation antipsychotic; H1-receptor antagonist; serotonergic antagonist |
| diltiazem | diltiazem : A 5-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-oxo-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,5-benzothiazepin-3-yl acetate in which both stereocentres have S configuration. A calcium-channel blocker and vasodilator, it is used as the hydrochloride in the management of angina pectoris and hypertension. Diltiazem: A benzothiazepine derivative with vasodilating action due to its antagonism of the actions of CALCIUM ion on membrane functions. | 5-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-oxo-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,5-benzothiazepin-3-yl acetate | antihypertensive agent; calcium channel blocker; vasodilator agent |
| sertindole | sertindole : A phenylindole that is 1H-indole which is substituted on the nitrogen by a p-chlorophenyl group, at position 5 by chlorine, and at position 3 by a piperidin-4-yl group, which is itself substituted on the nitrogen by a 2-(2-oxoimidazolidin-1-yl)ethyl group. | heteroarylpiperidine; imidazolidinone; organochlorine compound; organofluorine compound; phenylindole | alpha-adrenergic antagonist; H1-receptor antagonist; second generation antipsychotic; serotonergic antagonist |
| mibefradil | Mibefradil: A benzimidazoyl-substituted tetraline that selectively binds and inhibits CALCIUM CHANNELS, T-TYPE. | tetralins | T-type calcium channel blocker |
| tedisamil | tedisamil : A member of the class of diazabicyclononanes that is (1s,5s)-3,7-diazaspiro[bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane-9,1'-cyclopentane] in which the hydrogens at positions 3 and 7 are replaced by cyclopropylmethyl groups. It is a potassium channel blocker and an antiarrhythmic agent currently currently in development for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. | ||
| uk 68798 | aromatic ether; sulfonamide; tertiary amino compound | anti-arrhythmia drug; potassium channel blocker | |
| tetrodotoxin | |||
| saxitoxin | saxitoxin : An alkaloid isolated from the marine dinoflagellates and cyanobacteria that causes paralytic shellfish poisoning. Saxitoxin: A compound that contains a reduced purine ring system but is not biosynthetically related to the purine alkaloids. It is a poison found in certain edible mollusks at certain times; elaborated by GONYAULAX and consumed by mollusks, fishes, etc. without ill effects. It is neurotoxic and causes RESPIRATORY PARALYSIS and other effects in MAMMALS, known as paralytic SHELLFISH poisoning. | alkaloid; carbamate ester; guanidines; ketone hydrate; paralytic shellfish toxin; pyrrolopurine | cyanotoxin; marine metabolite; neurotoxin; sodium channel blocker; toxin |
| ajmaline |