Inhibitory Effect of Azelastine on Allergic Itch-Associated Response in Mice Sensitized With Mosquito Salivary Glands Extract

Eiji Ohtsuka; Sanae Kawai; Hiroshi Nojima; Tsugunobu Andoh; Kiyoshi Kamimura; Yasushi Kuraishi

doi:10.1254/jphs.91.263

Short Communications

Inhibitory Effect of Azelastine on Allergic Itch-Associated Response in Mice Sensitized With Mosquito Salivary Glands Extract

Eiji Ohtsuka, Sanae Kawai, Hiroshi Nojima, Tsugunobu Andoh, Kiyoshi Kamimura, Yasushi Kuraishi

Author information

Keywords: itch-associated response, mosquito allergy, azelastine

JOURNAL FREE ACCESS

2003 Volume 91 Issue 3 Pages 263-266

DOI https://doi.org/10.1254/jphs.91.263

Details

Abstract

We examined whether azelastine would inhibit itch-associated responses of mice to mosquito allergy. Repeated injections of mosquito salivary gland extract increased scratching and sensory nerve activity. Azelastine inhibited the increased scratching and nerve activity, while terfenadine was without effects. Dexamethasone did not affect the increased scratching. Azelastine suppressed high K⁺-induced increase in intracellular free Ca²⁺ in primary cultures of mouse sensory neurons. Direct inhibition by azelastine of sensory neurons may be at least involved in the anti-pruritic effect of azelastine. Histamine, substance P, and leukotriene B₄ may not play a key role in the itching of mosquito allergy.

Corresponding author

Register with J-STAGE for free!