Neuromediators for cholestatic pruritus

Cholestatic pruritus is one of the most common complaints in patients with liver diseases and intraor posthepatic cholestasis. The mechanisms of cholestatic pruritus remain poorly understood although multiple factors are considered to participate in the pathogenesis of cholestatic pruritus. Recent exciting studies have discovered several G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and endogenous chemical ligands that play critical roles in mediating cholestatic pruritus in animal models and patients. These new findings have provided novel insights into the molecular and cellular mechanisms of cholestatic pruritus and improved our understanding of the etiology and treatment for the condition.