Roles of glutamate, substance P, and gastrin-releasing peptide as spinal neurotransmitters of histaminergic and nonhistaminergic itch

Histamine-independent itch was mediated by the combined action of glutamate, substance P, and gastrin-releasing peptide while histamine-dependent itch relied primarily on glutamate. Co-administration of antagonists may prove useful to treat antihistamine-resistant chronic itch.