Endothelin-1 induces itch and pain in the mouse cheek model

These results demonstrate that ET-1 evokes pruritic and nociceptive behaviors in the mouse cheek model. Both responses to ET-1 appear to be mediated via ETA receptors and subjected to limitation by simultaneous ETB receptor activation. Local endogenous opioids acting on μ-opioid receptors selectively modulate the pruritic response to ET-1, whereas histamine, possibly derived from mast cells and acting on H1 receptors, contributes importantly to the nociceptive effect of ET-1 in this model.