Scientists have discovered what makes you itch

Breakthrough in neurobiology: scientists discover the "itch center" in the brain. The study is published in the prestigious journal Neuron.

A group of neurobiologists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences has made an amazing discovery, identifying a specific set of neurons in the periaqueductal gray matter of the brain that directly control the sensation of itching. In experiments on mice, scientists found that this area, previously known for its connection to pain sensations, plays a crucial role in the itch mechanism. When in contact with irritating substances, these neurons activated and released special chemical compounds, causing characteristic scratching behavior in mice. When researchers blocked the activity of these cells, the animals barely responded to irritants. Even more impressive was the fact that when these neurons were artificially stimulated, mice began to scratch even without external stimulation.

The lead author of the study, Yan Gang Sun, emphasizes the evolutionary importance of this mechanism: "Itching signals the entry of harmful substances onto the skin or fur, and scratching helps to get rid of them. Moreover, minor skin damage can activate an immune response, which helps fight infections."

Despite the fundamental importance of this protective reflex, until now the mechanisms underlying it remained poorly understood. This significantly limited the possibilities for developing effective treatments for chronic itching. Scientists express hope that their discovery will pave the way for the creation of fundamentally new therapeutic approaches for millions of people suffering from this condition.