ISSN:
1432-1440
Keywords:
Pruritus
;
5-hydroxytryptamine
;
Serotonin type 3 receptor antagonist
;
Ondansetron
;
Cholestasis
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Summary Generalized pruritus is a well-known, distressing symptom of various diseases, especially in hepatic cholestasis and chronic renal insufficiency. Its treatment is often unsatisfactory. In three patients with generalized pruritus, intravenous administration of the serotonin type 3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonist ondansetron induced a marked relief of itching. The effect was most pronounced in a patient with cholestasis-associated pruritus. It is suggested that serotonin, acting via 5-HT3 receptors, is involved in the generation and/or sensation of pruritus. Furthermore, 5-HT3 receptor antagonists may be a novel therapeutic principle for the treatment of pruritus.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00184497
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